Drug available to reverse abortion pill

Transcription

Commentator
T H E
July 24, 2015 Vol. 53, No. 12
C A T H O L I C
S E R V I N G T H E D I O C E S E O F B AT O N R O U G E S I N C E 19 6 3
PAGE 7
Travel agent
books memories
thecatholiccommentator.org
VACATIONING WITH JESUS
Students spend summer
learning about God
By Debbie Shelley
The Catholic Commentator
One of the recreational activities of St. Jean Vianney’s VBS was a relay in which children, with the help of youth
volunteers, raced to the finish line with a blanket which contained another child inside it. As the children enjoyed
themselves, they learned key biblical lessons. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
“Mrs. Landry, I had a God sighting today,” a young
girl told Michelle Landry, coordinator of the Vacation Bible School at St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton
Rouge this past winter.
Landry was touched as the girl shared her good
news that she took to heart the lessons she learned
months before at VBS about seeing God in everyone
and everything. Landry said this demonstrates the
impact one week of serious Bible fun has on young
lives.
St. Jean Vianney joined church parishes in the
Diocese of Baton Rouge hosting vacation Bible schools
with creative “out of the ordinary” themes to emphasize God’s everyday presence. At St. Jean Vianney, the
children’s favorite activity was “The Power Shuffle” as
part of the VBS, “Everest: Conquering Challenges with
God’s Mighty Power.”
Every detail, including the cute and fuzzy, big and
powerful or oddest looking “Bible buddies” represented a key Bible verse and story. For “Everest” there is:
Klymer, the snow leopard, demonstrating God’s power
to provide (2 Cor 9:8 and 1 Kgs 17); Cliff, the marmot,
showing God’s power to comfort (2 Cor 1:4 and 1 Kgs
19); Mallory, the bar-headed goose, representing
God’s power to heal (Ps(s) 147:3 and 2 Kgs 5); Buddy,
the markhor pike mountain goat, pointing out God’s
SEE VBS PAGE 10
Drug available to reverse abortion pill
By Rachele Smith
A drug that many fertility doctors use to stop
miscarriages in high-risk pregnancies is now being
used as a way to reverse the abortion pill.
Dr. George Delgado, speaking at the National
Right to Life Convention held in New Orleans in
early July, noted that the effects of RU-486, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, can be
stopped by administrating the drug progesterone.
“RU-486 is a progesterone receptor antagonist.
It blocks the effects of progesterone, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy,” said Dr. Delgado,
who is the medical director of the Culture of Life
Family Health Care and a regional medical direc-
tor with The Elizabeth Hospice, both in California.
By administering progesterone within a few
days of a woman taking RU-486, the effects of the
abortion pill can be stopped, according to Delgado.
During pregnancy, progesterone, which is a natural female hormone, is used for many functions,
such as preparing the lining of the uterus and protecting the baby. Delgado added that since the role
of this hormone is so important in the birth of a
healthy baby, it is often used in fertility treatments,
especially when the mother produces low amounts
of progesterone.
RU-486, also known as mifepristone, is the first
medication taken in the two-drug medical abortion process. The second medication, called misoSEE LIFE PAGE 19
Dr. George Delgado explains how medical doctors can reverse the effects of the abortion pill at the National Right to
Life Convention in New Orleans July 9-11. Delgado told prolife advocates that the medical technique, which begins after a woman has taken RU-486, has saved the lives of more
than 100 babies. Photo by Rachele Smith | The Catholic Commentator
2
FAIt H
The ighter ide of
| TREASURES FROM THE DIOCESE
L
One of the many striking features of St. Mary of False River
Church in New Roads is a headstone of Marie Pourciau Olinde,
located to the left of the altar.
Marie Pourciau, widow of Charles
Robillard and of Barthelemi
Olinde, and ancestor of many of
the citizens in the New Roads
area, donated the ground upon
which the original church was
built in 1823 and the present
church to its west during 19041907. She died in 1833 and was
interred beneath the Virgin Mary
altar of the original church and
moved beneath the Virgin Mary
altar of the present church
during its construction. It is now
the Blessed Sacrament altar. She
is the only known person to have
been interred in the site, and her
grave is a subterranean brick
vault. The plaque was designed
and sponsored by the late Glenn
Morgan and Brian Costello. Photo
by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator
| PICTURES FROM THE PAST
S
July 24, 2015
| DID YOU KNOW
Mystery of a famous missal
In the harrowing
and chaotic hours following the assassination of President John
F. Kennedy, the hastily
arranged inauguration
of then-Vice-President
Lyndon B. Johnson
was conducted aboard
Air Force One. The impromptu inauguration
may or may not have
had the blessing of attorney General Robert Kennedy, a bitter LBJ
political rival who was in the early grieving
stages over the loss of his brother.
Johnson had been rushed to the presidential aircraft immediately after the
assassination amid fears of a potential
greater conspiracy, a theory that continues to spark heated debate more than 50
years later. Rather
than departing immediately, however,
Johnson insisted on
waiting for the arrival of Kennedy’s wife,
Jacqueline Kennedy,
as well as the coffin
carrying Kennedy’s
body. Johnson also
called for Judge Sarah Hughes from Dallas to administer the
presidential Oath of Office.
Once airborne, the search began for a
Bible that would allow the vice president
to place his hand on during the swearing in ceremony. Apparently, officials assumed Hughes would bring a Bible with
her to Air Force One but for unknown
reasons she did not.
At one point, a Kennedy aide located
what he believed to be a Bible. The book
was bound in calfskin, embossed with a
crucifix and still wrapped in cellophane.
However, unbeknownst to all those
present, the book shown in the iconic
photo of Johnson’s swearing in was a
Roman Catholic Missal, similar to the
one many Catholics use during Sunday Masses. Although the origins of the
missal remain a mystery, it is commonly believed it was a gift to Kennedy, who
was the first Catholic
president.
A period of secrecy and misinformation followed as word
leaked of a Catholic
Missal being used for
the swearing in rather
than the long-standing
tradition of the Bible.
Some even questioned
the legality of the inauguration, but it should
be noted there is no legal precedent in
the Constitution or Federal law mandating a Bible be used during the administration of the oath of office.
In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt
in 1901 did not use a Bible and John Quincy Adams placed his hand on a book of law
while reciting the oath of office, making
a statement of the
importance of separation of church and
state.
Several months
after Johnson’s inauguration, a White
House official was
asked to locate
the missal, but it
was nowhere to be
found. When contacted, Hughes told the
official that she gave it to someone, who
was unnamed.
Turns out it had been at the White
House, and today, perhaps, the most famous St. Joseph Sunday Missal in history
is on display at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin, Texas.
Officials from the Kennedy Library were
originally given the option of displaying
the missal, but they deferred to the LBJ
library.
It is likely the only Catholic Missal ever
used to swear in a chief executive.
Johnson used a family Bible during his
inauguration on Jan. 20, 1965.
Perhaps indicative of the changing
times, some are calling that a Bible never
be used during a presidential inauguration, which would put an end to a tradition
begun by George Washington.
... perhaps the most famous
St. Joseph Sunday Missal
in history is on display at
the Lyndon Baines Johnson
Library and Museum.
thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator
The original structure for St. George Church was a chapel constructed in 1888 on an area
that was largely surrounded by farmland. The chapel was expanded in 1926 with the
addition of a bell tower and remained in use until 1960 when the “gym-church” was
completed. In 1988 that building was renovated to serve a rapidly expanding area. That
church is still in use today. Earlier this year ground was broken on a new church that
should be completed by the end of 2016 or early 2017. From its rural roots, St. George has
grown to become one of the largest parishes in the diocese. Photo provided by Department of Archives, Diocese of Baton Rouge
Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher
Father Tom Ranzino Assistant Publisher
Richard Meek Editor
Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor
Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager
Penny G. Saia Production Manager
Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation
Rachele Smith Staff Writer
The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680)
Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian
Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton
Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator,
P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746.
July 24, 2015
3
OLOL College planning major expansion
By Richard Meek
Plans for a massive expansion of Our
Lady of the Lake College, including a potential relocation of a new campus, are
being finalized with groundbreaking
possibly occurring in the next two years,
according to Ken DeDominicis, vice-president of institutional advancement.
DeDominicis said the board is exploring several options for the location of the
new campus. Currently, the campus sits
adjacent to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital,
cradled among doctors’ offices and commercial buildings.
He said the scope of the search is not
limited just to Baton Rouge and added he
would entertain offers from people willing
to donate anywhere from 20 to 30 acres,
the footprint required to build a campus.
“What we found is location is not important,” DeDominicis said. “Most people
think we have to be (in the current location) because of the hospital next to us.
But our students come from all over.”
DeDominicis said enthusiasm for a
stand-alone campus is burgeoning, especially among the Catholic community. He
admitted OLOL does not have the “curb
appeal” or presence of an established college.
“We are nearly 100 years old and still
in different buildings,” he said. “Our idea
of a traditional campus setting with green
spaces, that whole idea of a true private
Catholic college, really resonates.”
DeDominicis, who estimates the total
cost of a new campus at about $30 million, said the support among community
leaders has been tremendous, and he expects that to increase once a location has
been identified, an architect hired and final drawings rendered.
“I think it’s doable,” he said. “We are
talking to a lot of leadership that has philanthropic interests and basically they said
‘we will support you. We want to see the
final (drawings).’
“People are getting excited. The interest is so great I can’t believe we will not be
able to raise the balance of the money to
build the campus.”
Acknowledging a low public awareness, DeDominicis said the college has
recently commissioned a marketing study
regarding the school’s identity. He noted
many people still are under the impression OLOL is strictly a school of nursing,
or may not even be aware the school exists.
“Even some of the major philanthropic resources in the community did now
know we were more than a nursing school
until I was able to visit with them, describe what the school is,” he said, adding
that some people believed the school was
a department of the hospital. “I tell them
it is a four-year accredited institution, and
it turned a light bulb on.”
As part of an ambitious timeline that
extends into 2019, the college is also planning to expand its course offerings, focusing chiefly on health science and business.
For DeDominicis, the developments
are bittersweet, as he recently announced
his retirement. DeDominicis, who was
hired by OLOL in 2013, retired at the end
of June, saying he wants to spend more
time with his family, especially his three
grandchildren, ranging in ages from 5
years old to eight months.
He said he and his wife are planning to
move to North Carolina, where they own
a home.
“I have been in this career for over 30
years, 24/7,” DeDominicis said. “When
I was younger I did not have much time
to spend with my own kids. But I want to
spend quality time with the grandkids.”
He said he is comforted by the confidence he has in the current leadership.
President Dr. Tina Holland has been on
the board for a little more than a year and
RENEWING VOWS – Sister Elizabeth
Navya CMC and Sister Vandana
Thomas CMC renewed their vows
July 16 on the feast of Our Lady of
Mt. Carmel during a Mass at the
convent chapel at St. Elizabeth
Church in Paincourtville. Father
Paul Gros, pastor of St. Anne Church
in Napoleonville and Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
in Plattenville, celebrated the Mass.
Also in attendance were Chancellor
Father Paul Yi, Father Chris Decker,
pastor at St. James Church in St.
James and St. Philip Church in Vacherie, seminarian Matthew Dunn, six
Missionaries of Charity sisters and
several parishioners of St. Elizabeth
and St. Jules Church in Belle Rose.
Photo provided by Father Paul Yi
Our Lady of the Lake College President Dr. Tina Holland, left, and former vice-president of institutional advancement Ken DeDominicis discuss expansion plans for
OLOL. Those ambitious plans include the potential building of a new campus away
from its current site that is adjacent to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
DeDominicis recently retired to spend more time with his family. Photo provided by Our Lady
of the Lake College
DeDominicis also expressed confidence
in his own office, which he established after his hiring.
“My reasoning is I want to spend more
time with the family, but also this operation is in really good shape,” DeDomini-
cis said. “We have great leadership. Dr.
Holland is just a dynamic leader. She has
done a fabulous job of getting out in the
community, meeting people, serving in
civic organizations. We are just blessed to
have her as the leader.”
Family Choices:
TRANSITIONS IN AGING
“A SpirituAl DiScernment of trAnSitionS”
Lisette Borné, Spiritual Director
“AttenDing to the neeDS of the Dying”
Darryl Ducote, LCSW
“creAtivity in retirement”
Rev. Donald Blanchard and Rev. Gerald Burns
“trAnSitionS in the home: SAfety-proofing”
Roxane Bingham
“When home iS no longer enough”
Rebecca Herbst, Jeri Shread, Jennifer Underwood and Jon Salter
Satu
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Catholic Life Center, Main Auditorium
1800 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge
Cost $15, $20 for walk-ins • Lunch Provided
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
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For information: 225.242.0323
CEUs to be awarded to Social Workers
Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, Marriage & Family Life
4
NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL
July 24, 2015
Under new system, Vatican budgets show previously unreported assets
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Under new reporting procedures
that are more in line with international accounting standards,
the Holy See reported $1 billion
in net assets that had never been
reported before and in a consolidated form.
The Vatican’s final figures for
2014 also showed a continued
budget deficit on the part of the
Roman Curia and nearly double
the profits brought in by entities
falling under the separate Vati-
-
can City State budget.
In fact, the profits coming
from the Vatican Museums, “cultural activities” and investments
offset the deficit in the consolidated budgets of the Roman Curia and Vatican communications
outlets to help the Vatican end
the year 37.9 million euros ($41.3
million) in the black.
The Council for the Economy
presented the financial statements July 14, and they were
published July 16. The state-
Diocese of Baton Rouge
Catholic Schools Office
Administrative Assistant
to the Superintendent
The Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, as a member
of the Catholic Schools Office team, performs job duties to support
schools in realizing the vision of Evangelizing Hearts, Educating
Minds and Embracing the Future through positive communication, promotion of effective curriculum and instruction, responsible
coordination of resources, and acknowledgement of outstanding
service and accomplishment. Members of the Catholic Schools
Office staff collaborate with the bishop in his work of evangelizing,
catechizing, leading worship and giving pastoral care to the people
of the larger community, and support the parishes, schools and other organizations of the diocese in accomplishing their ministry.
Specific Areas of Responsibility
• Supports scholarship programs (i.e., Adopt a Student, Black and
Indian Missions Fund, Louisiana Governor’s Scholarship Program)
• Supports department reports (i.e., Diocesan Enrollment
Reports, Required Services, Yearly and Preliminary Budgets)
• Supports events such as the Catholic Educators Gathering, Summer Leadership Summit, Distinguished Graduates Dinner, Leadership Luncheon, Principals Meetings and Principals Appreciation
Luncheon by producing programs and organizing tasks
• Coordinates regular communication to various stakeholders
(i.e., weekly principals bulletins)
• Serves as secretary to the Diocesan School Board, recording,
transcribing minutes, and disseminating information and generally
organizing the work of the board
• Manages the CSO Online Calendar, CSO website and updates of
the Administrative Manual
• Serves as Office Manager, including filing, sorting mail, ordering
of supplies, accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Manages required compliance filings, including Student and
Exchange Visitor Program Certification and Temporary Teaching
Assignments
Education and Experience Requirements
• High School graduate with a minimum of three years’ positionrelated experience; business school or some college preferred.
• Understanding of organizational structure for Catholic Church and
Catholic Schools
• Excellent typing/word processing skills and proficiency in various
computer programs, including Microsoft Office Professional.
Other Requirements
• Strong grammatical skills, attention to detail and strong
analytical and problem solving skills required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally
and demonstrate a pleasant demeanor essential.
• Must be able to work within established guidelines to comply with
record keeping/administration requirements.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in handling difficult and/or
sensitive situations, with ability to maintain confidentiality in all
transactions.
• Ability to exercise good organizational and time management
skills, ability to manage projects and multiple priorities.
Please submit letter of interest, resume and references to
[email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
ments were prepared by the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs
of the Holy See, the Vatican’s
budget management office. The
statements were “reviewed and
verified” by the Secretariat for
the Economy, headed by Australian Cardinal George Pell, as
well as by a brand new auditing
committee of lay experts and an
external auditor.
The 2014 budget reports
were the first financial statements to follow sweeping new
procedures begun under new
rules that went into effect
March 1, governing the guidance, oversight and control of
Vatican financial and administrative activities, and codifying
the mission of the council and
secretariat for the economy.
The summarized statement
released by the Vatican press
office July 16 offered much of
the same kind of information
included in past statements released each year, as the transition to the new procedures is
still a “step-by-step” work in
progress, Jesuit Father Federico
Lombardi, Vatican spokesman,
told reporters.
However, the one new figure
released publicly was all the net
assets of the Holy See. Totaling
939 million euros, the amount
represents money that had never
been included before in the Vatican’s old system of budgeting
and reporting.
In an interview in December,
Cardinal Pell said the new budgeting and reporting procedures
had meant the secretariat dis-
covered “some hundreds of millions of euros were tucked away
in particular sectional accounts
and did not appear on the balance sheet.”
Father Lombardi explained to
reporters the next day that the
money did not represent “illegal,
illicit or badly managed funds,”
just assets being held in numerous administrative offices that
were not considered part of the
main institutions of the Curia.
For 2014, however, all departments, bodies and foundations
of the Holy See were required to
report all assets which totaled
1.1 billion euros, and liabilities
which totaled 222 million euros.
The budget of the Holy See,
which is made up of 64 “entities,”
ended 2014 with a deficit of more
than 25.6 million euros.
The new reporting and budgeting practices made it difficult
to compare figures with past
years, the Vatican statement
said.
In fact, it said if the new practices had been applied to the
2013 fiscal year, the budget deficit for the Holy See would have
much higher – 37.2 million euros, rather than the 24.4 million
euros that had been reported.
The reduced deficit for 2014, it
said, was “largely due to favorable movements in investments
held by the Holy See.”
Other sources of income included contributions from dioceses around the world, which
gave 21 million euro in 2014,
down from 22 million the previous year. The Vatican bank,
which donates profits from its
investments to the pope to support works of charity and mission around the world, contributed 50 million euros, like past
years.
The largest single item in the
Holy See budget was “personnel.” The number of employees
stayed relatively the same at
2,880 with total personnel costs
being 126.6 million euros, an
increase of more than 1 million
euros from 2013.
The Vatican City State budget,
which includes the income-generating Vatican Museums and
Vatican stamp and coin office,
ended 2014 with a profit of more
than 63.5 million euros nearly
double the previous year’s surplus of 33 million euros.
No personnel costs were given in the summarized report of
the 1,930 total staff members
who come under the Vatican City
State budget.
Budget forecasts, with anticipated revenues and expenditures for the coming year, for the
136 entities under the council
and secretariat’s watch suggest
“the deficits experienced in recent years are likely to continue
in 2015,” the Vatican statement
said.
“While rapid progress is being
made in implementing reforms
requested by the Holy Father,
the complete transition” to international accounting standards
“is likely to take several years.
The 2015 budgets and the 2015
statements are the first important steps.”
Court rules against Little Sisters
DENVER (CNS) – The Little Sisters of the Poor
and other religious entities are not substantially
burdened by procedures set out by the federal
government by which they can avoid a requirement to provide contraceptive coverage in health
insurance, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
ruled July 14.
In a lengthy opinion that considered arguments raised by the organizations under First
Amendment religious rights protections and under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the
court said the groups are not substantially burdened by filing out a form or notifying Health and
Human Services via email or a letter that because
of their religious-based objections to the mandated coverage, they will not provide it.
The ruling is the latest in a string of circuit
court decisions finding that nonprofit religious
institutions may not be protected from complying
with the procedures set out by HHS for being excused from what is known as a mandate to pro-
vide coverage for a variety of types of contraceptives in employee health insurance.
“The departments have made opting out of the
mandate at least as easy as obtaining a parade
permit, filing a simple tax form, or registering
to vote in other words, a routine, brief administrative task,” wrote Judge Scott M. Matheson Jr.
He was joined by two other judges in parts of the
ruling. However, Judge Bobby Baldock in a partial dissent from the majority’s decision, said he
would rule that the religious exercise rights of
self-insured employers are more substantially
burdened than are those that have outside insurers.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans are required to provide coverage for
birth control drugs and procedures. If providing
such coverage is morally objectionable according
to their faith, churches themselves and other institutions that primarily employ and serve members of the churches are exempt.
July 24, 2015
5
International adoptions bring joy to Baton Rouge family
By Rachele Smith
Every year on March 17,
something special happens in
the home of one Baton Rouge
family. No, they’re not decorating shamrocks or thinking about
the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day
parade. Instead, they are looking
over photos of Korea and participating in a different type of celebration.
See, March 17 isn’t just the
feast day of St. Patrick in the Romanach home. It’s also the anniversary of their 11-year-old son’s
“Gotcha Day,” and a day to remember how one precious baby
can add a whole new meaning to
the phrase “lucky in love.”
“It was a random match,” Kyla
Romanach explained, describing how she and her husband,
Carlos, were chosen to adopt
their son, Matthew. The couple
traveled to Korea to finalize the
adoption when Matthew was sixmonths-old.
“At that time, there was an escort that would bring the baby to
America, but we wanted to go. It
allowed us to see Korea and meet
his foster family,” said Kyla.
To this day, both Kyla and
Carlos believe going to Korea
was a great decision, and the
photos they took of the country,
which include the city where
Matthew was born, now add to
the unique fabric of their family.
Plus, they have special memories to share about their first
night together with their oldest
child.
“He cried so much that we
thought they were going to evict
us (from the hotel in Korea),” recalled Kyla, allowing a smile that
any new mom would recognize.
“He finally fell asleep after his
bottle, and the next morning, he
woke up smiling,” said Carlos.
Their journey back to America would continue to add memories as they were greeted by
extended family holding lots of
signs welcoming Matthew home.
“My mom was a teacher then
(in New Iberia), and her (fifthgrade) kids made signs that said
‘Welcome home, Matthew! Hope
you like it here,’ ” she said.
Their neighbors at the time,
Jim and Grace Cazes, also made
a “huge sign to welcome him,”
added Carlos, who, like most Tiger fans in Baton Rouge, had already dressed his son in his first
LSU outfit to greet everyone.
For Kyla and Carlos, the jour-
The Romanach family, from left, Kyla, Matthew, Grace and Carlos, enjoys spending time together. Photo by Rachele Smith | The Catholic Commentator
ney to bring Matthew home actually started nine months prior
when they began the international adoption process with
Catholic Charities of the Diocese
of Baton Rouge.
“I had some fertility problems
related to an autoimmune issue,”
said Kyla, who added that they
wanted a child, so they decided
adoption was the best option.
“After researching domestic adoption and international
adoption through other agencies,
we felt that Catholic Charities
was the best fit for us,” explained
Kyla. “Catholic Charities had a
reputation for ethical adoption
practices and dealing fairly with
both birth parents and prospective adoptive parents. That was
something that was very important to us,” she added.
Kyla and Carlos, who married in June of 2000, first met
through friends in the legal profession (they are both lawyers, so
it’s only fitting that they met in a
court house). By all accounts, it
was a quintessential beginning,
one that still brings the couple
to smiles and laughter when they
talk about it.
After adopting Matthew, the
couple’s “Happily Ever After”
story seemed to be well on its
way, but first there would be
some unexpected twists, and
one that would ultimately lead
them to some difficult as well as
joyous days ahead.
The first turn came when Kyla
and Carlos wanted to add to their
family. It was a happy time when
they traveled to Nepal to adopt a
baby girl. However, in trying to
secure the paperwork needed to
bring her home, the Romanache’s
learned that their new daugh-
ter, who had been with them for
several days and who was legally theirs, actually had biological
parents in Nepal looking for her.
Though heartbroken but guided
by their faith, Kyla and Carlos
knew they had to reunite her with
her birth family. However, they
were determined to help this baby
who had captured their hearts.
“I called Caritas in Nepal,
and Bishop (Anthony) Sharma
(of Nepal) actually answered the
phone,” said Carlos.
Caritas is a Catholic service
organization with branches
around the world working to help
the poor and the most vulnerable.
Carlos explained that Bishop
Sharma SJ, helped ensure the
baby and her family received the
monetary assistance they sent.
As the couple continued to help, a
special friendship grew between
both families. Kyla and Carlos
also developed a great respect for
Bishop Sharma, so when he told
them about a computer-based
education project he was developing for the children and adults
in his poverty-stricken area,
they knew they wanted to help.
The couple turned to their pastor
at the time, Father Jerry Martin
at St. Patrick Church in Baton
Rouge, for guidance.
“I cannot emphasize enough
Father Jerry Martin’s indispensable contribution (to this project),” said Carlos.
“I was just so impressed that
the Bishop in Nepal saw that the
baby was returned to her parents
and just the sense of right and
wrong and the generosity that
Carlos and Kyla showed. Honestly, what we did (at St. Patrick’s)
was just the icing on the cake,”
said Father Martin, now the
pastor of St. John the Evangelist
Church in Prairieville.
That “icing” was such a sweet
act of kindness that the money received (when combined
with assistance from the Loyola
Foundation) made the computer
project a reality. The Educational Development Centre (EDC)
located in Mahalaxmisthan, Lalitpur, Nepal was blessed and officially opened by Bishop Sharma
this past January.
Although they were making
a difference in Nepal, Kyla and
Carlos knew they still desired
another child and began to look
to China. The Chinese government, however, had changed
some rules in their international
adoption process at the time.
“It used to be that the (adoptive) family would be able to
adopt a healthy child, but now
it is a child with special needs,”
said Kyla.
Paula Davis, a licensed clinical social worker and the clinical
director of maternity, adoption
and behavior health at Catholic
Charities of the Diocese of Baton
Rouge (CCDBR) explained that
adoptive parents should be aware
of the requirements each country
has for international adoptions.
“My job is to give that information and help parents understand
the process,” she said, adding that
CCDBR offers an informational night for parents wanting to
learn about the adoption process,
which now includes a new federal law, effective July 14, that all
international adoptions must be
facilitated through a Hague-accredited facility. CCDBR is one of
three such agencies in Louisiana
and was the first in the state to
receive this designation in 2008.
Davis explained that a
Hague-accredited agency certifies that the rules of the Hague
Adoption Convention are followed ensuring the best interests
of the child, birthparents and
adoptive parents.
For Kyla and Carlos, their second international adoption experience allowed them to bring
their daughter, Grace, home.
When Kyla and her mother traveled to China to meet Grace, she
was two-years-old and had already gone through surgery to
repair a cleft lip and palate with
Operation Smile, a non-profit
medical service organization.
“Whoever did it (her surgery),
did a wonderful job,” said Kyla,
who noted that once the adoption was finalized, and Grace
came home, they discovered that
she must have endured ear infections while in the orphanage.
Through the years, she has had
surgeries, including one recently,
to repair the damage suffered to
her eardrums. Kyla says Grace’s
prognosis is good, and by all accounts, her six-year-old daughter doesn’t let any of those issues
hold her back.
“Look at her,” Kyla laughs.
“She can’t stop talking.”
Like any couple, Kyla and
Carlos admit that being parents
has been different in ways they
couldn’t even imagine. They
enjoy spending time with their
children and chances are you
can find them at a baseball game
cheering for Matthew, (“He has
great instincts and great speed,”
his dad says) or watching Grace
show her creativity, (“She enjoys
art and fashion. She’s larger than
life), says Kyla.
Like any parent, Kyla and
Carlos know this time together
with their children is special, and
while the journey that brought
them all together was longer than
most, together they are still one
lucky family.
invites you to join us on Saturday, Aug. 15 from
9 am – noon at Oak Lodge Reception Center, 2834 South Sherwood
Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge. Our speaker will be Kathy MacInnis.
MacInnis is the coordinator of Magnificat Central Service Team. She
was the founding coordinator of a Magnificat chapter
in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Reservations are
$15 each thru Aug. 10th. No seats will be sold at the
door. Please indicate the number of reservations
and send a check made out to BR Magnificat with
attendee names to: Kathy Simoneaux, 9650 Victory Lane, Denham Springs, LA 70726.
6
Q
New Testament and homosexual acts/Communion in hand
I have a daughter and son-in-law
who are practicing Catholics.
They are in favor of gay marriage,
and my son-in-law says that there is no
place in the New Testament where Jesus
condemns homosexual acts. So, he says,
while homosexual activity may have been
prohibited in the Old Testament, it is
permissible in the New. Please help me to
answer him. (Lancaster, Ohio)
There are several New Testament
passages that speak to the immorality of homosexual acts. Among
the most explicit is Romans 1:26-28,
where Paul says:
“God handed them over to degrading
passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males
likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males
and thus received in their own persons
the due penalty for their perversity.
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over
to their undiscerning mind to do what is
improper.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
(No. 2357) concludes that sacred Scripture “presents homosexual acts as acts of
A
July 24, 2015
Question Corner
Father Kenneth Doyle
grave depravity” and that “under no circumstances can they be approved.”
The fact that Jesus himself did not
directly address the specific question of
homosexual acts carries little weight. His
intent was not to publish a compendium
of moral theology; rarely does Christ address particular moral issues but focuses instead on the broader goals of love of
God and love of neighbor.
As a faithful and practicing Jew, Jesus accepted and lived by the moral code
passed down through Hebrew tradition.
Among its tenets (Leviticus 20:13) was that
“if a man lies with a male as with a woman,
they have committed an abomination; the
two of them shall be put to death.”
In any discussion, though, of the biblical view of homosexual acts, it must always be pointed out (almost in the same
breath) what the catechism is quick to add
(No. 2358):
“Men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies ... must be
accepted with respect, compassion and
sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.”
I have a question about receiving
the host at holy Communion.
I have cerebral palsy, and I’m
thankful that the disability affects me
only mildly. However, I have always had
trouble making the “table” that we are
taught to do when accepting the host.
My right hand is affected by the CP, and
I can’t quite turn the palm upward. (Nor
do I always have the greatest dexterity in
picking up small objects.)
I used to receive the host on my tongue
but stopped that a couple of years ago
when we became more conscious about
the spread of germs. So these days I usually take the host directly in my (left)
Q
palm and then tip it into my mouth. Am
I doing the right thing or is there something else that you would recommend?
(Boston, Massachusetts)
May I first compliment you on your
devotion to the Eucharist? Your
question reflects a clear understanding of the sacredness of this gift.
In the Eucharist, as the Catechism of the
Catholic Church says (No. 1374), “Christ,
God and man, makes himself wholly and
entirely present.” As to your manner of receiving, I think that you should continue to
do exactly as you are doing.
The early Fathers of the Church recognized that the hands could be used as a
“throne” for accepting the king of kings.
In practice, as the U.S. Conference of
Bishops explains, that means:
“If one is right-handed, the left hand
should rest upon the right. The host will
then be laid in the palm of the left hand
and then taken by the right hand to the
mouth. If one is left-handed, this is reversed. It is not appropriate to reach out
with the fingers and take the host from
the person distributing.”
In your own situation, you are doing
all that you can to show the reverence and
respect that is due.
A
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July 24, 2015
FAITH JOURNEY
7
Travel agent helps families experience their dreams
By Debbie Shelley
Fishing for Marlin in the Gulf of Mexico, hiking the Canadian Rockies, listening to Pope Francis as part of a papal
audience in St. Peter’s Square, or seeing the priceless look on the children or
grandchildren’s faces as they stand next
to Mickey or Minnie Mouse for a picture
at Disney World.
These are some of the
dreams that people present
to Tootie Bonacorso, senior
vacation consultant for Vacations by Crown in Baton
o he
Rouge, to help make them
come true.
Bonacorso said helping
people plan a vacation is
more than booking them for a destination; it is often booking a lifetime of memories. She enjoys working with young couples planning a honeymoon Carribean
cruise, seasoned travelers booking a trip
to Ireland because since childhood they
had said “someday … ” or people wanting
to experience that same sense of adventure as Huck Finn by cruising the Mississippi River.
The travel agent understands vacations as a valuable way for families to
spend time together.
“I come from an Italian household. The
most memorable times were the holidays
we spent together. The family and food
and being together,” said Bonacorso, who
attends Mass at different church parishes in the diocese. She remembers a lot of
“craziness going on” as the family spent
time together.
Her family prepared her to successfully help people plan trips. Her father taught
her “don’t ever be afraid to try anything
and always keep a smile on your face.”
“I’m always willing to
take a chance and do things.
I think that has helped me
a lot in my career,” said Bonacorso. “In travel we have
a ‘let’s try it attitude.’ ”
She said with the Internet, people often ask,
“Why use a travel agent?” to
which Bonacorso replies, “Why wouldn’t
you use a travel agent?”
Bonacorso, whose agency does not
charge for its service and insider expertise, said, “We’re professionals who have
been there and done that. We can not only
save you money, but can advise you on the
best way to get there and see things off the
beaten path.”
She said she also supports people who
are having problems during their trip or
if they come back and say they were not
satisfied with their trip.
She said she helped church parishes
Bringing
JESUS
JOB
T T
T
Tootie Bonacorso, left, assists Laura Monroe in planning a Western Caribbean cruise. Photo
by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commenator
book vacations, such as St. Paul the Apostle Church and Our Lady of Mercy Church
in Baton Rouge.
“People like to travel in groups and especially like to travel with a priest,” Bonacorso said. “When you have a group you
feel a little safer. You get to meet people
and leave at the same time.”
Many people in a travel group form
lasting friendships during the trips.
“Our Lady of Mercy had two trips (in
recent years). The first trip no one really
knew each other. They fell in love with
the friendships and now they travel every
year together,” Bonacorso said.
Noting that “life is too short,” Bonacorso said everyone should do two things:
travel more than once and spend time
with loved ones.
“Everyone should have a bucket list
and be sure to do those things on that
list,” Bonacorso said.
Letting worry out the door while trusting in God
he kingdom of God is
within you. We’ve all
heard this truth, but
few of us fully understand it
or make an effort to put it into
practice when we need it. In
signing off my letters to friends
and others, I often write, “May
the Lord be your strength and
your joy.”
For me, it is a way of reminding people that they can
rely on the Holy Spirit to do
their heavy lifting. In order to
protect yourself from needless
worry, you have to know how to
enjoy the present moment.
I recall this quote attributed
to Thornton Wilder: “My advice
to you is this, don’t ask why or
wither, but just enjoy your ice
cream while it’s on your plate.
That’s my philosophy.”
And I tend to agree with that
sentiment. Yes, God wants us
all to carry our cross, but with
courage. We need to banish
needless worry. A holy person is
one who listens to the words of
Jesus and strives to obey them.
If you have trouble with this,
begin with the simple state-
We need to banish needless worry. A holy
person is one who listens to the words of
Jesus and strives to obey them.
Spirituality
For Today
Father John Catoir
ment: “Yes, Lord, I want to be
holy.”
Once you say “yes” to God,
your main task is to trust him.
Trust is the purest way to show
your love. Keep in mind that
the enemy of trust is doubt.
Doubt can cloud your best
intentions and weaken your
spirit. It is basically a fear that
you may be a fool for believing
in the supernatural or in some-
thing that can’t be explained.
Don’t be taken in by those
who urge you to doubt everything unless you can prove it
scientifically. Remember that as
Catholics, we believe in mysteries. And keep in mind that
others have never been able to
prove scientifically that God
does not exist. It’s not for you to
ask why they pretend to be so
sure that there is no God.
What you can and should
do is take responsibility for
your holiness and happiness.
Train your mind to believe and
to trust God with your whole
heart. Don’t live in the mental
swamp of doubt and guilt. If
you do, I can guarantee you
that you’re always going to feel
miserable and unworthy.
Strive for a clean conscience
and be active about your ho-
liness. To do this, renew your
good intentions, go to confession. And then begin the process again, even if you stumble
a few times.
Never say, “Why do I have to
go to Mass?” That’s the equivalent of saying, “Why do I have
to thank God?”
Remember that God has
given you everything: your life
and your ability to love and be
loved. Attending Mass is the
best way to say thank you to
God. The Mass is a ritual of
thanksgiving, which comes naturally when you let go of worry,
when you learn to trust in what
the creator has in store for you.
God wants you to live gladly
because of his love. Put on
the will to take charge of your
thoughts and be more positive,
more uplifting, more trusting.
I promise, the reward will be
great.
FATHER CATOIR writes on issues of
spirituality for today’s Catholic
for Catholic News Service.
Honor Those We Love.
G ARDENS
OF
M EMORY & F UNERAL H OME - C REMATORY - M AUSOLEUMS
11817 Jefferson Highway
225-753-1440
w w w. R e s t h av e n B a t o n R o u g e . c o m
2x2” Rest.small.honor.those’13
8
Funds
Diocese of Baton Rouge Seminary Scholarship Funds
What is a Seminary Scholarship fund?
A seminary scholarship fund is an invested sum of money, the
interest of which is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men studying for the priesthood.
How does someone establish a fund?
It is simple. A fund may be established and named for anyone
you choose – friend, family, bishop, priest, religious, etc. Anyone can name or establish a fund.
Who do I contact to establish or contribute to a fund?
To create a fund or to make a contribution to an existing fund,
please send it to the Vocations and Seminarians Department,
P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028. For information call 225-336-8778.
This is only a partial list of all Seminary Scholarship Funds.
Visit our website at www.diobr.org/vocations for a
complete list of Seminary Scholarship Funds.
Contributions from March through June 2015
Archbishop Antoine Blanc
In Memory of:
Dylan Juge and Prayers for
Joseph Sanford Jr.
$135.00
In Memory of: Deceased Members of Knights of Columbus #8878
By: KC Council #8878
$229.00
$20,173.31
Brian Blanchard
In Memory of: Marian Blanchard
By: Marian L. Blanchard Estate $5,000.00
$27,185.00
Louis and Nita Bonfanti
In Memory of: Louis C Bonfanti Sr.
$50.00
By: M/M W. A. Efferson
$25.00
CA/Theresa Altazan
$20.00
Larry/Janell Woods
$20.00
Ms. Alice Zito
$20.00
Lou T. Didier
$25.00
Bridger /Merrill Eglin
$50.00
Joe/Linda Muffoletto
$75.00
M/M Omer Davis
$50.00
Mike/ Jo Ann Falgoust
$30.00
$1,790.00
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
By: Catholic Daughters of the Americas State
and Local Courts
$980.55
$5,365.45
Father Joseph E McLaughlin
In Memory of: Marian Blanchard
By: Marian L. Blanchard Estate $1,000.00
$20,424.06
Serra Club of Baton Rouge
By: M/M Roy Schnebelen Sr. $300.00
$11,275.00
Tomorrows Priest
By: Ethel Guedry
$350.00
By: Tim/GiGi Chenevert
$1,000.00
$20,037.13
Father Than Vu
By: Wilfred/Anna Picard Barry $500.00
Bobby/Sue Breau
$50.00
Edward/Thoralee G. Hiller $50.00
Bishop Robert Muench $1,000.00
Moonlee/David Karam
$100.00
Stacey Howell
$50.00
Tribunal Staff
$45.50
Tippy Blanchard
$25.00
Geralyn Palermo
$50.00
Catherine Heckman
$20.00
Mary Picou
$100.00
M/M Cleve Banquer
$50.00
Jimmy/Priscilla Oliver
$50.00
$5,990.50
Father Clarence Waguespack Jr.
By: Deacon/Mrs. Labat
$25.00
Phayne /Blanchard Braud $50.00
Our Lady of Peace
Adoration Chapel
$2,040.00
Donald Falgoust
$250.00
In Memory of: Fred Anthony Setton
By: Phayne/Blanchard Braud
$50.00
Cyril/Shelley Waguespack $100.00
Sisters and Brother
of Fr. Waguespack
$300.00
In Memory of: My deceased husband Burchman “Berk”Hymel
By: Cecile W Hymel
$25.00
$12,935.00
Additional Scholarship Funds
Madonna Chapel .................................................................... $15,711.12
Monsignor Louis E. Marionneaux .................................... $20,000.00
Monsignor Louis E. Marionneaux #2 ............................... $20,000.00
Fathers Martens & Perino .................................................. $24,045.00
Thomas Beatty Mary ............................................................$18,483.63
Dr. McCaa and Monsignor Marionneaux ....................... $20,000.00
Father Charles McConville ................................................. $20,000.00
John McGinnis ........................................................................ $6,238.46
Deceased Members of KC Council #3298 ...........................$6,721.39
Deceased Members St. Alphonsus KC Council #3331 ... $20,000.00
Deceased Members of KC Council #4030 ........................ $20,000.00
Deceased Members of Pierre Part KC Council #5352 .......$1500.00
Deceased Members of St. Gabriel Ladies Altar Society ....$2,700.00
Father Patrick Miller ........................................................... $20,000.00
Mary Catherine Muench .......................................................$1,675.00
Murphy and Wallace Families ..............................................$1,656.42
Monsignor Charles J. T. Murphy ...................................... $20,000.00
Mr. & Mrs. C. J. T. Murphy ................................................. $20,000.00
Fred Nacol ...............................................................................$15,862.30
Monsignor John Naughton ................................................. $20,000.00
Father Aubry Osborn ...........................................................$10,954.35
Bishop Stanley J. Ott .............................................................$26,539.50
The Ott and Berthelot Families ......................................... $20,000.00
Pioneering Fathers of Grosse Tete Ridge ..........................$19,499.44
George R. Reymond ............................................................. $20,000.00
Monsignor Leonard Robin .................................................. $21,124.16
Father James Rodrigue ........................................................$20,605.00
Alphonse and Edna B. Rodriguez ..................................... $20,000.00
Michael Romano ....................................................................$13,310.27
William and Camilla Roszko ............................................. $20,000.00
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Sarradet, Sr. .................................. $20,000.00
Father Louis Savoure ........................................................... $20,000.00
Deceased Members of Ciro Spedale Family .................... $20,000.00
Father John Spriggs ................................................................$9,772.58
The Parishioners of St. Pius X ............................................ $20,000.00
Stine Family ..............................................................................$6,908.14
Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan ....................................................$11,201.92
Father Adalbert Svreck ....................................................... $20,000.00
Bishop Robert E. Tracy ....................................................... $20,000.00
Father David Vavasseur ....................................................... $21,168.17
Vavasseur Family ................................................................. $20,000.00
Albert J. Waguespack ...........................................................$16,399.41
Deacon Francis A. Waguespack Jr. ........................................$4,575.00
Monsignor John A. Weber ...................................................$58,521.22
Mr. & Mrs. Weeks, Sr. and Dr. & Mrs. Wall, Jr. ............ $20,000.00
Father Augustine M. Wyshoff ............................................ $20,000.00
Kay M. Acosta and Ann Marie ............................................$4,038.62
Father Thomas J. Allain .......................................................$23,637.39
Father J. D. Amedee ............................................................. $20,000.00
Mr. & Mrs. Sidney V. Arbour, Sr. ...................................... $20,000.00
Archdiocese of New Orleans ............................................... $60,000.00
Mr. & Mrs. J. Andrew Bahlinger, Jr. ................................ $20,000.00
Father John M. Barbe .......................................................... $20,000.00
Father Victor Baron ............................................................. $20,000.00
Monsignor D. J. Becnel ........................................................ $20,000.00
July 24, 2015
Video draws
strong
reactions
By Richard Meek
The director of the Office of
Family Life and Marriage for the
Diocese of Baton Rouge called a
controversial video that included
a Planned Parenthood executive discussing the harvesting of
body parts from aborted babies
“chilling.”
“It is a startling reflection of
how we, as a society, can become
desensitized to the destruction
of human life,” Darryl Ducote
said. “This is a chilling video.”
The video was originally
filmed more than a year ago by
the pro-life organization Center for Medical Progress. In the
video, Dr. Deborah Nucatola,
senior director of medical services for Planned Parenthood, is
shown eating lunch at a California restaurant with two pro-life
supporters, who unbeknownst to
Nucatola were filming her.
Nucatola’s comments sparked
outrage among the pro-life community, especially as she described procedures in removing
a baby’s body parts.
“Setting aside the legal issues,
I was struck, first of all, by the
obvious and casual confirmation
that what was being destroyed
was a human being, with heart,
lungs, liver and limbs,” Ducote
said. “The second thing that
struck me was the viewing of human life as a commodity whose
parts could be harvested and
sold.
“Even the procedures used
for harvesting were determined
by which ‘parts’ were most in demand.”
Ducote also said Nucatola’s
comments focused on the baby
and little attention paid to the
medical, psychological or spiritual health of the mother.
He noted the means used to
obtain the video “might be objectionable,” Ducote said. However,
the content is disturbing and
should serve as a wake-up call as
to what is really going on in the
abortion industry.
In a video released July 16,
Planned Parenthood president
Cecile Richards issued an apology for Nucatola’s tone but denied
allegations the organization is
profiting from the sale of body
parts.
July 24, 2015
St. Jude helping feed families in Gardere
By Jessica Brouillette
Summer vacation brings many
opportunities for fun and relaxation to children and families as
they enjoy a break from school.
Some children, however, face
hardship during the summer
without having a school to provide
possibly the young people what
may their only meal of the day.
To help alleviate the hunger
some children face during the
summer, the Brown Bag Offering
brings volunteers together to donate meals to children and families in the Gardere area of Baton
Rouge through the Gardere Community Christian School and the
Gardere Initiative.
Families and parishioners of
St. Jude the Apostle Church recently came to pack and donate
meals to the Brown Bag Offering. The program seeks pledges
throughout the summer to donate meals each week with a goal
of at least 200 meals daily for the
families in the Gardere area.
St. Jude gathered pledges
using the church bulletin and
spreading word around the Family Ministry, a group of volunteers
that participates in service projects throughout the year. The
ministry saw an overwhelming
response from volunteers and exceeded the requested number of
daily lunches by donating more
than 400 meals each day.
“We send the kids at Gardere
home with food because we don’t
know if they will have food otherwise,” said Carol Ann Nadeau,
one of the St. Jude volunteers.
Nadeau and other parishioners included their children in
this service as well. “Children
can’t volunteer at places like St.
Vincent de Paul, but they can do
this with their families,” said Marie Johnson, leader of the St. Jude
Family Ministry. “It’s an activity
that they understand…they are
helping out kids who aren’t lucky
enough to have meals every day
in the summer.”
Volunteers prepared the lunches and packed the bags, then
dropped them off at the parish
hall. Johnson gathered them to
bring to the location where children in need could pick them up.
Due to the rough weather at the beginning of the week, many homes
in the Gardere area lost power and
the families had a chance to pick
up extra meals from the Brown
Bag Offering, thanks to the surplus of donations.
Send your church parish, school and
organization news and photos to
Richard Meek, editor, at [email protected].
Families and parishioners of St. Jude the Apostle Church recently
packed and donated meals to the Brown Bag Offering which provides
daily meals for families in the Gardere area during the summer. Photo
provided by Marie Johnson
The Brown Bag Offering gives
more than meals to those in need.
It provides people of all ages in the
area a chance to do service. High
school students, parents and their
children can all participate in preparing lunches. “We know God
blesses our family, so we want to
keep our kids involved in helping
others,” explained Nadeau.
St. Jude also participates in
the Brown Bag Offering with a
handout during the school year.
Volunteers drive through the
Gardere area and hand out lunches door-to-door.
“They (the children) really enjoy doing this with their families.
It puts things in perspective,”
Johnson said.
A MASS
Honoring God the Father
Celebrant: Msgr. Robert Berggreen
Wednesday, August 5
Confession 5 p.m.
Rosary 5:30 p.m.
Mass 6 p.m.
St. Agnes Church
749 East Blvd. | Baton Rouge, LA
Notre Dame Hospice, a Catholic Health
Care Ministry, is looking for Volunteers.
Volunteers can provide caregiver relief, run
errands, help in the office (in Prairieville),
play music or offer any talent that you have
to share.
If you are interested or would like more
information please contact: Betty Carr,
Volunteer Coordinator at 225-243-7358.
Volunteers are need to serve in all church
parishes in the Greater Baton Rouge area.
www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org
(225) 243-7358
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10
The Catholic Commentator | July 24, 2015July 24, 2015 | The Catholic Commentator
Children danced the “Power Shuffle” to begin the day at Vacation Bible School at St. Jean
Vianney Church in Baton Rouge. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
11
Part of the fun of St. Jean Vianney’s “Everest” VBS was walking and running in chain formation during
recreation time.
up discussions.
th volunteers during small gro
you
h
wit
ges
llen
cha
and
s
Children shared their joy
Children learned the numbers of key Bible verses in “the Bible verse room” at St. Jean Vianney’s Vacation Bible School.
VBS 
From page 1
power to forgive, Jesus’ passion and death on the
cross (Lk 22:47 – 23:56 and Neh 9:17); and Yeddy the
Himalayan brown bear, standing for God’s power to
love forever (Jn 14:1-3 and Jn 3:15).
Even as the children ate snacks, they consumed
faith lessons. One day, as the children enjoyed a yogurt
parfait topped with granola, “snack leader” Jill Stewart, dressed as a mountain climber, told the children
the granola represents God’s “toughness and strength”
while the parfait represented God’s sweetness.
Dancing, singing songs, working on crafts and playing games motivated many of the children to become
youth volunteers and leaders and whole families to get
involved.
“Sometimes the kids are really interested in learning and they have that ‘Ah’ wonder moment,” said
Adriene Louviere, a freshman at St. Michael the
Archangel High School, who had grown up attending VBS and is now in her third year of volunteering.
“I feel like I helped them have a better connection
with God and that he’s there for them … I learned the
‘HE’S
MY
FRIEND’
‘HE’S MY FRIEND’
morning tradition included getting doughnuts.
same thing. I feel like he’s already with me always;
“We’d leave (VBS) and talk about things that haphe’s my friend.”
pen
throughout the day, and we’d sing the songs. My
Emily Martin, also a freshman at St. Michael and
husband
would have to learn them when we got home
daughter of Cecile Martin, who directed the VBS
because he didn’t want to be left out,” Verret said.
along with Landry and Eliska Dumas, has been
The VBS also broadened the Verret’s concept of
closely involved with the summer program since she
was two years old. Martin, who has the most VBS ser- service. She noted last year a boy was struggling with
a difficult home life and didn’t feel like participating in
vice hours, said she is “in it for the long haul” when it
VBS. Her son, Zachary, took him
comes to volunteering
in, the two became inseparable
for the VBS.
and Zachary brought healing into
“I love little kids. I
the boy’s life.
love hanging out with
“God put those two together
them,” said Landry.
… it was a good year for both of
“I want to help them
them,” said Verret.
grow in faith.”
Such encounters with the
“You can read the
children keep young volunteers
Bible or come here and
coming back after they graduate
experience it, rather
from high school.
than just read it. You
“I was originally doing this
learn stuff that you
Emily Martin
will remember for the
because my friends were,” said
rest of your life,” she said.
Olivia Guidry, a student at LSU. “But even now, it’s such
Adult volunteer Stacy Verret and her children have
a beautiful, beautiful energy. The kids are so cute and
been involved in the VBS for years. Their Monday
enthusiastic.”
“You can read the Bible or come
here and experience it, rather
than just read it. You learn stuff
that you will remember for the
rest of your life”
She and her sister were volunteers and their three
younger siblings were participants.
“We would listen to the CDs. Luke (her brother),
tried to be cool saying, ‘Whatever.’ But the twins (who
were younger) would say, ‘Yes! We love this!’ and would
sing as loud as they could,” said Guidry.
The pinnacle of “Everest” was at the end of the week,
when the youth and teen volunteers performed for their
parents to demonstrate what they learned during the
week.
“This is the most powerful thing you will see … the
energy in this room is phenomenal. It tears me up. If
you have noise issues, you better leave. The room is
bouncing,” said Landry.
She added, when parents commented, “I enjoy the
CD – we have not taken it out of the car,” or repeated
some of the VBS stories their kids shared, she realized
the children impacted their parent’s faith lives. Some
have become more regular Mass attendees through
VBS.
“Hopefully it generates conversation. Hopefully as
they share their experiences they all see God as their
strength, their comforter, their provider, all the things
we talked about,” said Landry. “It’s evangelization.”
Children practiced songs in the music room that they performed for their parents at the
end of the St. Jean Vianney VBS. Music was the highlight of the week and emphasized many
Biblical messages. The children learned contemporary dance moves as well as sign language
to go with the songs.
Recreational activities allowed the children to exercise their bodies while filling up their
hearts and minds with messages about God’s love and care for them, the emphasis of St.
Jean Vianney’s VBS.
12
July 24, 2015
Spiritual energy level high at DYB retreat
By Debbie Shelley
“It’s all amazing the people here …
that’s all I can say,” said Joshua Callegan
about the creative flow of energy and relationship building between members of
the Diocesan Youth Board at their retreat
July 10-12.
As the young leaders heard catechetical
and motivational talks, served the community and praised and worshipped, they
set group and personal goals for the upcoming year.
Callegan, a second-year DYB board
member and member of St. Agnes Church
in Baton Rouge, followed his brother and
sister in joining DYB.
“They said they met a lot of people and
that the leadership team was very cool,
nice and fun to be around. So I thought I
would give it a shot. Now I love it. It’s my
life,” Callegan said.
Callegan, who was shy, said he didn’t
speak much during his first year of being
on DYB.
“I came up with a couple of ideas,” (for
the Diocesan Youth Conference),” said Callegan, who shied away from the spotlight.
But as he teamed up with fellow board
members behind the scenes and saw how
The
Members of the Diocesan Youth Board laugh while answering questions about themselves as part of an icebreaker during the DYB retreat. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
many hearts were being changed during
the conference, especially his own, he is
now eager to jump into a more active role
this year.
“I had so much fun with that, and I
think the people who attended it had a lot
fun too,” Callegan said. “I hope to do more
skit-like stuff.”
Learning about his leadership role at
the retreat, Callegan said he wants to show
how the Catholic faith is relevant to the is-
Look for
CaThoLiC CommenTaTor
sues that his peers face.
“Many people today think that loving
Jesus can be uncool or ‘dinosaurish’ ” said
Callegan. “That’s really not true. All that
matters in this life is getting yourself and
others into heaven. So it really doesn’t matter what people think.”
Lupita Arena, a member of St. Thomas
More Church in Baton Rouge, likewise,
was influenced by her siblings to join DYB.
“I’ve been to World Youth Day,” said
Arena. “I wanted to help out with that.
My older brother was in DYB and we had
a great time so he recommended I try it.”
Teens join DYB because they are looking for a sense of community and teamwork, said Arena. As she and her fellow
board members sorted through donations
to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at its
warehouse, she saw how her work and life
were put to good use.
She also saw how important it is to use
the skills she developed at the retreat to
evangelize her peers.
“Communication is very important and
you have to speak your mind and be open
about your faith,” said Arena.
Taylor Wisinger, of St. Louis King of
France Church in Baton Rouge and a thirdyear DYB member, said the retreat got the
year started off on the right foot through
prayer.
“The DYB accomplished learning new
ways to pray together and apart,” said Wisinger. “We also learned how to serve others
when we helped sort things at the St. Vincent de Paul warehouse.”
The highlight of the retreat for Wisinger
was the closing blessing. The board formed
a circle and the youth blessed the person
next to them.
“I have learned how to pray more deeply and more passionately. I can apply the
messages that I learned in everyday life
when talking to my friends and family, and
also when praying. If my loved ones have a
prayer request, I can pray with them more
deeply now,” she said.
aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding:
✔ Affinity Nursing Home, Baton Rouge
✔ Anthony's Deli, Baton Rouge
✔ Albertsons, Baton Rouge
✔ Alexander’s Highland Market,
Baton Rouge
✔ Ascension Books & Gifts, Gonzales
✔ Baton Rouge General Hospital,
Baton Rouge
✔ Baton Rouge Healthcare, Baker
✔ Benedetto’s Market, Addis
✔ Bohning Supermarket, Ponchatoula
✔ Calandro’s Supermarkets,
Baton Rouge
✔ Catholic Art and Gifts, Baton Rouge
✔ Daigle’s Supermarket, White Castle
✔ Grace Healthcare, Slaughter
✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Baton Rouge
✔ Hubbins Grocery, Port Allen
✔ Lane Regional Hospital, Zachary
✔ LeBlanc’s Food Stores, Baton Rouge,
Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Hammond,
Plaquemine, Prairieville and Zachary
✔ Louisiana Vet Home, Jackson
✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets,
Baton Rouge
✔ Magnuson Hotel, St. Francisville
✔ North Ridgely Healthcare, Baker
✔ Oak Point Supermarket, Central
✔ Oak Wood Nursing Home, Zachary
✔ Old Jefferson Community Care,
Baton Rouge
✔ Our Lady of the Lake College,
Baton Rouge
✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional
Medical Center, Baton Rouge and
Walker
✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physician
Group, offices with locations
throughout the Diocese
✔ Reeve’s Supermarket, Baton Rouge
✔ St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gonzales
✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts,
Baton Rouge
✔ St. Vincent dePaul Stores throughout
the diocese
✔ Schexnayer Supermarket, Vacherie
✔ Southside Produce, Baton Rouge
✔ Tony’s Seafood, Baton Rouge
✔ UPS Store, Coursey Blvd., Baton
Rouge
✔ Whole Foods Market, Baton Rouge
✔ Winn Dixie in Hammond, New Roads
and Ponchatoula
DYB members dance to the song “Forever Young” at the DYB Retreat.
as well as your local church parish
C
T H E
C A T H O L I C
Workshops on prayer were part of the DYB retreat.
July 24, 2015
Myra T. Patureau
CHS/SJA choir group goes to Italy
MEd, REALTOR®
MyraLicensed
T. Patureau
in Louisiana, USA
MEd, REALTOR®
Licensed in Louisiana, USA
By Rachele Smith
Choral groups from St. Joseph’s Academy and
Catholic High School participated in a “once in a
lifetime experience” performing and touring in
Italy as part of the Festival Corale Internazionale
di Roma, an activity described as one of Rome’s
premier annual summer music events.
The high school singers, choir teachers and
chaperones traveled June 19-29 to share in the music event’s seventh annual festival.
More than 90 local students had the opportunity to study and perform with conductor Z Randall
Stroope, an American composer and the director of
choral and vocal activities at Oklahoma State University. Stroope, who has had conducting engagements all over the world, including at Canterbury
Cathedral in England and at the American School
in Singapore, blended the local high school voices
with singers from two other choirs in America, Caliente Community Chorus in New Mexico and Liberty High School in California. Together the groups
practiced and participated in Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and in a formal finale concert at
Rome’s St. Mary above Minerva Basilica.
Keaton Koch, a 2015 graduate of CHS and a
four-year member of the school’s choir, said the
mixing of these different voices, both young and
mature, worked well producing “an awesome song
in the end.”
“I’m so glad that I was able to make this trip.
It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience,”
said Koch, who added that about 150 people
sang together in the choir, which was directed by
Stroope.
“He (Stroope) is one of the best composers and
conductors in the U.S.,” explained Koch.
“It was a great experience.”
One performing highlight for the group, according to Koch, occurred at St. Peter’s Basilica. Here, a
cardinal was so impressed by a song that was composed for him by Stroope that he had the choir sing
it again at the end of Mass.
“He (the cardinal) started crying because he enjoyed it so much,” Koch said, adding that the cardinal also gave the group a special blessing.
When not practicing or performing, which also
included singing in the Sistine Chapel and brief
5-to-10-minute “concerts” on the streets of Rome,
where one near the Pantheon drew lots of surprised
tourists, the group also had the opportunity to visit
key historical sights in Rome. Koch noted that he
was a little surprised when visiting the Coliseum.
“It was bigger than I thought it would be,” he
said. “We were also able to see underneath it where
they would keep the soldiers and animals. It was
interesting to see the before and after pictures (of
this area) and see how intricate it was.”
Koch also added that one of his favorite moments in Rome occurred at a Wednesday papal
audience when SJA and CHS choir members were
allowed to sing for Pope Francis as he passed by
their area.
“We just had about 30 seconds to sing,” he explained. “It was just enough time for him (the
pope) to come down the aisle, wave in front of us
and kiss some babies. It was cool to see him.”
According to Koch, the students sang the introductory part of the LSU fight song before singing
13
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Enjoying their time riding the gondola in Venice
while touring and performing in Italy with the
Catholic High and St. Joseph Academy choirs are
(from left) Matt Miyagi, Vincent Bianca, Abrielle
DeCuir, Keaton Koch and Grant Rothermel.
“We Will Rise Again,” a popular song performed at
CHS liturgies.
“Even though we indirectly sang for him, it’s
still cool to say that we sang for him,” admitted
Koch.
Following their performances in Rome, the SJA
and CHS choir members sang in the Basilica of
Santa Maria del Santo Spirito in Florence and the
Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi.
In addition to visiting these two other Italian
cities, the group also toured Montecatini, Milan,
Verona and Venice, where they were able to continue experiencing the art, food, history and scenery of Italy.
For Koch, one interesting view of Italian culture came in Venice when he learned that not all
gondoliers sing as typically shown in movies. Koch
thought he had a way to help change this when he
and several choir members offered to sing an Italian song they knew; however, they were quickly
rebuffed.
“He (the gondolier) told us he didn’t like Italian
songs, and he didn’t want us to sing for him,” said
Koch.
Even though he didn’t get to hear music on a
gondola ride through the canals of Venice, Koch
said the experience was “definitely fun” and one of
his favorite activities on the trip.
CHS choir director Stephen Galliano noted
that the entire experience in Italy was “astounding, amazing and incredible” for everyone who attended from Baton Rouge. He was especially proud
of the students.
“The students represented Catholic High School
and St. Joseph’s Academy to a level of excellence
that cannot be imagined! It is said that music
changes lives. I can honestly say that these kids
have truly changed my life,” Galliano said.
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14
MOVIE
REVIEWS
USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting
classifications:
A-I – General patronage
A-II – Adults and adolescents
A-III – Adults
A-IV – Adults, with reservations
L – Limited adult audience
O – Morally offensive
Ant-Man
Disney
The diminutive superhero of the Marvel
Comics universe is an ex-con (Paul Rudd)
who shrinks to bug size by means of a special suit, acquires super-human strength,
and possesses a nifty ability to control
his fellow ants. The suit’s inventor (Michael Douglas) and his scientist daughter
(Evangeline Lilly) enlist Ant-Man’s help to
stop the technology from falling into the
wrong hands of a megalomaniac (Corey
Stoll) code name Yellowjacket bent on
world domination. Director Peyton Reed
keeps tongue firmly in cheek as he downsizes the usual over-the-top violence of a
Marvel film in favor of a clever heist picture, seasoned with plenty of humor and
nice messages about honor and redemp-
ENTERTAINMENT
Motion Picture Association of America
ratings:
G – General audiences; all ages admitted
PG – Parental guidance suggested; some
material may not be suitable for children
PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned
to give special guidance for attendance
of children under 13; some material may
be inappropriate for young children
R – Restricted; under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian
NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted
tion. Cartoonish but bloodless violence,
brief innuendo and a few mild oaths. A-II;
PG-13
The Gallows
Warner Bros.
A haunted high school provides the
setting for this inept found-footage horror tale co-written and directed by Chris
Lofing and Travis Cluff. Two decades
after a student there suffered a violent
and mysterious death during the performance of a play, four teens (Reese
Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos and
Cassidy Gifford) involved in a staging of
the same drama discover that reviving
it may not have been such a good idea.
Though little blood flows as this panicfest unfolds, making it possibly accept-
July 24, 2015
able for mature teens, there’s not much
brainpower on display, either. Considerable stylized violence, some gruesome
images, at least one use each of profanity and rough language, occasional crude
and crass terms. A-III; R
Self/less
Focus
Elderly, dying tycoon (Ben Kingsley)
uses the technology offered by an evil
biogenetics firm (headed by Matthew
Goode) to evade mortality by occupying
the body of a handsome, healthy young
man (Ryan Reynolds). But the side effects
of the swap include flashbacks of the lad’s
life which lead the ethics-flouting mogul
to reconnect with his counterpart’s wife
(Natalie Martinez) and cancer-stricken
daughter (Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen) and,
eventually, with his own neglected moral
core. Though director Tarsem Singh’s
fable which touches on the real-world
technological movement called Transhumanism begins on a promising note, the
gunfire and car crashes that dominate
its second hour are sure signs that this
increasingly ponderous property has run
out of ideas. Frequent gunplay and other
violence, a non-graphic bedroom scene
with partial nudity, at least one use of
profanity, occasional crude language. AIII; PG-13
Faith of Our Fathers
Pure Flix
Well-intentioned but awkwardly uneven
drama about evangelical Christianity’s
impact on two generations of families. In
1997 California, a God-fearing postman
(Kevin Downes) sets out to uncover the
truth about his father’s (Sean McGowan)
death in the Vietnam War. Together with
the ornery son (David A.R. White) of one
of his dad’s platoon mates (Scott Whyte),
he travels to Washington to visit the Vietnam Memorial. Along the way, the duo
gets into all sorts of trouble while debating big-ticket topics like forgiveness and
destiny. Despite hokey dialogue and contrived situations, director Carey Scott’s
film deserves some credit for its godly and
patriotic outlook. Brief scenes of mostly
bloodless combat. A-II; PG-13
Minions
Universal
Bright 3-D animated comedy co-directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda
in which background characters from
the “Despicable Me” franchise come to
the fore for an ever upbeat, though not
always tightly crafted, adventure set primarily in 1960s London. A trio of the
yellow, capsule-shaped creatures (all
voiced by Coffin), whose natural inclination is to serve a villainous master, gets
mixed up with a famed criminal (voice
of Sandra Bullock), her mad scientist
husband (voice of Jon Hamm) and their
wild scheme to steal the British crown
from Queen Elizabeth II (voice of Jennifer Saunders). Narrated by Geoffrey
Rush, and interspersed with familiar
hippie-era musical standards, the freewheeling plot follows its own logic down
curious courses, some of which feel like
detours. But the consequences of selfishness and disloyalty are clearly portrayed
while genuinely objectionable material is
absent. Even so, loud scenes of mayhem
may be too much for small fry, and some
parents may not appreciate the brief
comic hay that’s made of a mustachioed
bystander whose enthusiasm for Bullock’s character leads him to dress exactly
like her. Occasional cartoonish violence,
fleeting anatomical sight gags, a touch of
scatological humor. A-I; PG
The Catholic Commentator, Catholic
Life TV debut new program
A television show developed with the
collaboration of The Catholic Commentator and Catholic Life TV promises viewers
a new and expanded look at the way news
is presented in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
Catholic Connection, hosted by Baton
Rouge native and part-time actress Erica
Guiberteau, debuted in June and airs at
various times during the second week of
each month.
“The show has been a vision of the diocese for quite a while and in the works for
more than a year,” Catholic Life TV director Steve Lee said. “It’s rewarding to see it
happen. It’s exciting.”
Lee said the station needed a venue to
put topical Catholic news. He noted the
station currently airs local programming
involving a number of hosts and topics but
are more specific in their content, such as
vocations or other ministries.
He and The Catholic Commentator editor Richard Meek met to develop a pro-
gram that will air the latest news from the
Commentator as well as present live studio
guests and a video feature.
“We had no venue to get out to the views
(for a news shot),” Lee added. “This can become that.”
The format is broken down into three
segments, although that can change with
each show. Guiberteau opens by presenting Catholic news from the diocese taken
from the pages of The Catholic Commentator.
A live studio guest is interviewed during
the second segment. The debut featured
St. Jude Church pastor Father Trey Nelson
discussing the purpose and the progress
of the diocesan Task Force, for which he
serves as chairman.
The show closes with a video segment
featuring coverage from a specific event in
the diocese.
Catholic Life TV can be seen on Cox Cable Channel 15 in the Baton Rouge area.
July 24, 2015
ENTERTAINMENT
Don’t Wanna Fight
My life, your life
Don’t cross them lines
What you like, what I like
Why can’t we both be right?
Attacking, defending
Until there’s nothing left worth winning
Your pride and my pride
Don’t waste my time
Refrain:
I don’t wanna fight no more
Don’t wanna fight no more
Take from my hand
Put in your hands
The fruit of all my grief
Lying down ain’t easy
When everyone is pleasing
I can’t get no relief
Living ain’t no fun
The constant dedication
Keeping the water and power on
There ain’t nobody there
Why can’t I catch my breath?
I’m gonna work myself to death
(Repeat refrain.)
No, no, no, no
(Repeat refrain.)
I don’t wanna fight, I don’t wanna fight
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If you experience constant conflict with someone important to
you, how do you handle the situation so it does not become a major
problem?
Conflict with someone you love
can be hurtful, but it is also inevitable. That is one reason why I was
attracted to the new single “Don’t
Wanna Fight” by rock/soul/blues
band Alabama Shakes.
The song’s protagonist is tired of
fighting. “My life, your life, don’t
cross them lines, what you like,
what I like, why can’t we both be
right?” She is no longer interested
in “your pride and my pride” and
says, “I don’t wanna fight no more.”
Bickering exhausts the love between two people. However, conflict is a natural
part of any relationship because we always remain two separate people, with individual preferences, interests, needs and, sometimes, values.
But we can allow conflict, let it play out and
resolve it. Unfortunately, few of us receive any
training or effective modeling for resolving conflict. Instead, we sometimes put aside our needs
or preferences to avoid conflict. Such a choice
hurts a relationship because partners can become
resentful if his or her needs were not expressed or
met. Fights and resentment can injure the love in
the relationship.
There’s got to be a better way.
There is, but few practice it. The process begins
with listening and an honest attempt to understand the other person’s point of view.
Our perceptions, feelings and preferences are
subjective and cannot be effectively argued about.
But they deserve validation. This means that
when we are in conflict, it is important to listen
carefully and validate what the other person is experiencing.
Doing so does not mean that
you agree with the other person. It
means that you want to understand
his or her experience. This shows
that you care enough about the other person to validate what he or she
is sharing.
After taking the time to understand the other person’s perspective and accepting that his or her
needs differ from yours, both people need to consider the question:
How do we resolve this difference
in a way that is fair? If love does
not include fairness and respect for
another person’s point of view, is it
love at all?
This question is meant to lead the two people
involved to come up with a possible solution to
conflict, even if the solution is not exactly what either of them wants. All of this takes a lot of work,
but genuine love involves effort and more than
just “feelings” of love.
If you love someone, learn to face your conflicts. Stop fighting and work toward resolution.
Ask God to guide the process. God’s presence can
help you remain calm as you discuss painful differences.
Going about a conflict in such a manner will
help you to stop fighting and promote fairness and
respect. Only then will love thrive.
On The Record
Charlie Martin
MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral counselor who reviews current music for Catholic Music Service.
Write to me at: [email protected]; or 7125
West CR 200 South, Rockport, IN 47635; or like
Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music
Columns”.
Search ‘Charlie Martin’ for more of his columns at The Catholic
Commentator Online at thecatholiccommentator.org.
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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
Sung by Alabama Shakes | Copyright © 2015 by Ato, MapleMusic, Rough Trade
Conflict resolution is an important part of love
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ACROSS
1 Son of Adam
5 Builder of the golden calf
10 Jesus slept in one
14Potpourri
15 Dinah, to Esau
16 The pope is the bishop of ___
17Furrows
18 OT historical book
19 ___ about
20Loafers
22Tepid
24Poorer
26 Sea of Exodus crossing
27 A/C letters
29 Pertaining to God
34 A great deal
38 ___, talent, and treasure
40 Kind of tot?
41 Capital of Yemen
42 ___ Gay
44 Highland caps
45Lure
47Slip
48 Move along briskly
49 Name of God
51 Soissons seasons
53 Theology on ___
55 Patron saint of jewelers
60Guard
65 Fit for cultivation
66 “___, Sing America”
67 She renamed herself Mara
69 City in Germany
70 Price paid
71Landed
72 Fill up
73 Genuflection joint
74Barrier
75Supplements
DOWN
1 He established Notre Dame, Fr.
Edward ___, CSC
2 Avoid capture by
3Name
4 Washed (with “down”)
5 A liqueur
6 Direct a gun
7 ___ presence in the Eucharist
8Happen
9Long-____
10 “By the sweat of your ___…”
(Gen 3:19)
11 The Little Tramp’s wife
12Cupid
13 School division
21 Adam donation
23 Prepare for publication
25Debris
28 White for a pope, black for no
pope
30 Arizona-Vatican connection
31___-Tass
32 Lost fish in a Pixar film
33 At one time it was “at one time”
34 The Blessed ___
35Stadiums
36 Sometimes it’s hi37 Frozen water vapor
39 Type type
43 This archdiocese is found in
South Australia
46 Abominable snowman
50 Mother of Samuel (1 Sam 1:20)
52 Title for Catholic actor Guinness
54 Fruit of the Holy Spirit
56 Catholic actor of “Gone with the
Wind” fame
57 Apple variety
58 Forearm bones
59Transmits
60 Sacrament of the ___
61 School since 1440
62 Some win by one
63Carry
64 ____ of Hosts
68 Tom’s “You’ve Got Mail” co-star
Solution on page 18
16
| EDITORIAL
Doctor’s comments
revolting
A
recently released video showing
Planned Parenthood executive
Dr. Deborah Nucatola making
shocking comments regarding the harvesting of baby parts has sparked the
latest skirmish in the abortion battle.
Pro-life supporters are heralding the
video as an indictment against Planned
Parenthood and using it as a clarion call
for the state not to issue a license to the
organization’s massive clinic currently
under construction in New Orleans.
Naturally, Planned Parenthood
officials are crying foul, claiming the
video was edited to suit the needs of the
pro-life movement, and Nucatola was
the victim of what they claim amounted
to a sting operation. Considering the
fact the video was produced by a prolife organization, there is likely at least
a modicum of credibility to Planned
Parenthood’s assertions.
However, what cannot be ignored is
the chilling and nonchalant manner in
which Nucatola detailed the procedures
utilized in harvesting the body parts of
tiny infants. She outlined the mutilation
performed on an unborn child like she
was describing carving the Thanksgiving turkey.
She discussed a baby’s head as if it
were nothing more than medical waste,
disregarding the fact that the head, if
allowed the opportunity to live and not
fall victim to the cold steel of a doctor’s instrument, would have produced
beautiful smiles, shed tears and shared
in the laughter of others.
Pro-life supporters also claim
Nucatola’s statements are evidence
of criminal activity, since laws on the
books preventing the harvesting and
selling of baby’s body parts. That will be
for the judicial system to decide.
Planned Parenthood president Cecile
Richards apologized for Nucatola’s lack
of sensitivity but predictably said the
organization was not involved in any
illegal activity. Although the organization continues to market itself as a
champion of women’s health, especially
in the areas of contraception and the
prevention of sexually transmitted
diseases, Nucatola’s comments tell the
tale of an organization solely focused
on maximizing its profits through the
taking of innocent lives.
Yet, this is also an organization that
continues to receive government funding. Why the government has continued
to funnel millions of dollars to Planned
Parenthood is likely a dialogue for
another day, but the practice has to stop
immediately. Nucatola’s apathy toward
the dignity of the unborn child is all the
proof lawmakers need.
VIEWPOINT
July 24, 2015
Challenge to the Catholic vision of marriage from
the Supreme Court decision
A
bout eight years ago while serving as a
recognition of their union: human dignity.
chaplain at (Christ the King Church and
Jesus certainly did all that he could to
Catholic Center) LSU, I was asked by
restore dignity to others who were belittled
Catholic students to participate with them in a
by society. Consider Zacchaeus, the head tax
debate against supporters of the right to marry
collector, and St. Matthew, another tax collecfor same-sex couples. I was impressed by their
tor whom Jesus called to be his apostle, the
desire to defend Catholic teaching and agreed.
woman of ill-repute who washed his feet with
However, I feared that this would be more difher tears and, of course, the woman caught in
ficult for me than for them. I could not simply
adultery. He didn’t disregard their sinfulness,
quote Scripture or the Catechism of the Catholic
but he praised them for the good they did. All
Church. They did at length with great sincerity
of which gives us an unanswerable question
and talked right past the professors and stuwhat would Jesus do about the same-sex mardents from the opposing side. My problem was
riage court decision?
that I understood the fairness issue raised by
The marriage of man to man or woman to
the opponents from personal experience. I had
woman does not fit any description of marriage
been at the bedside of young men dying of AIDS
in the Old Testament or the New Testament.
whose families would not let their partners into
Nor does it meet the requirements of marriage
the hospital room. I had been asked by nonas a sacrament in the way the Catholic Church
Father John Carville understands it. We see the marriage vows
Catholic parents to celebrate a graveyard funeral
service for their gay son when they feared to go
promising permanency, fidelity and procreation.
to their own minister.
Same-sex marriage can be permanent and faithful, but it can’t
So I argued from the good of marriage in American society.
be procreative between spouse and spouse. True, same-sex
When marriage in our country was weakened by a divorce rate couples can adopt, but their love sexually expressed cannot
of almost 50 percent, when criminal violence by young men
procreate in fulfillment of God’s command to “go forth and
from fatherless families was plaguing our community, when
multiply.” Sacraments are important because they represent the
couples the age of the students were increasingly living togeth- significant teachings and actions of Jesus, who in one way or
er without any publicly vowed commitment to each other and
another told us to continue them “in remembrance of me.” They
the children they might have, it was no time to change the defi- are key moments in our life when we meet God and commit
nition of marriage proclaimed by our Christian faith, and other ourselves to him through following his son.
faiths, and strengthened by law everywhere. To do so would
Like it or not, we cannot do anything about the Supreme
weaken marriage and family. It wasn’t that I did not believe in
Court decision. However, it does not force us as practicing Cathdivine revelation about marriage and Jesus’ own reaffirmation olics to do anything against our conscience. Rather, it challenges
of his heavenly father’s intent that it be permanent, but, as I
us to teach Jesus’ vision of marriage in a much more complete
expected, the pro-same-sex-debaters were simply dismissive of and compelling way. Too many of our young Catholics today are
such “old fashioned ideas.” No one really won that debate.
not bothering to get married in the Catholic Church. The recepIn the past eight years much has changed. Our opponents
tion hall or the location of the ceremony are the most important
then are now around 30-years-old, most probably married
factors. Other couples don’t even bother to get married.
heterosexually, and realizing both the difficulty and the imI think that the best thing we can do now is to dedicate our
portance of their vows. Some may even remember that debate
junior or senior years in our Catholic high schools and parish
in the beautiful conference hall of the journalism building and
schools of religion to a year-long course teaching the Cathofeel vindicated by the 5-4 vote of the Supreme Court making
lic vision of marriage, family and sexual morality. Catholic
same-sex marriage legal in all of our states.
colleges and student centers at other universities should offer
My own view has changed somewhat. I was not surprised by
the same. Marriage is the most important commitment most
the Supreme Court decision. I am not a strict constructionist
humans make in life. It is also a school of Christ-like love
with regard to the Constitution. Its goal is obviously to assure
demanding sacrifice and forgiveness, but returning life-long
the equality of all Americans before the law. To do that requires
happiness.
some interpretation and application of law to present circumFATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge
stances. So I believe that the decision is legal and fair. But more
and writes on current topics for The Catholic Commentator. He
than that, it gives to people who were once marginalized in our
can be reached at [email protected].
society something they felt they would never have without legal
Another
Perspective
| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US
Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese.
July 28 Rev. Sean O. Sheehy
Dcn. Jeff R. Easley
Br. Ronald Hingle
July 29 Rev. Alexander J. Sheldon
Dcn. Albert R. Ellis Jr.
Sr. Camille Simoneaux CSJ
July 30 Rev. Philip F. Spano
Dcn. H. John Ferguson III
Br. Warren Laudumiey SC
July 31 Rev. Robert F. Stine
Dcn. Natale (Nat) J. Garofalo
Sr. Mary Hilary Simpson
Aug. 1 Rev. Martin N. Thanh ICM
Dcn. Edward J. Gauthreaux
Aug. 2
Aug. 3
Aug. 4
Aug. 5
Aug. 6
Br. Noel Lemmon SC
Rev. Frank M. Uter
Dcn. Steven C. Gonzales
Sr. Linda Songy SCSC
Rev. Henry C. Vavasseur
Dcn. Richard H. Grant
Br. Malcolm Melcher SC
Rev. Joseph H. Vu
Dcn. Ronald J. Hebert
Sr. Patricia Sullivan CSJ
Rev. Miles D. Walsh
Dcn. Clayton A. Hollier
Br. Paul Montero SC
Rev. Ju Hyung (Paul) Yi
Dcn. William H. Holtman
Sr. Mary Rose Therese MC
Aug. 7 Rev. Gerard F. Young
Dcn. Michael J. (Shelley) Joseph
Br. Eugene Patin CSsR
Aug. 8 † Bishop Robert E. Tracy
Dcn. John A. Jung Jr.
Sr. Vandana Thomas CMC
Aug. 9 † Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan
Dcn. Robert J. Kusch
Br. Marcel Riviere SC
Aug. 10† Bishop Stanley J. Ott
Dcn. Thomas E. Labat Sr.
Sr. Thanh Tam Tran ICM
July 24, 2015
T
VIEWPOINT
One Word
So, this past weekend, there I
was, standing at my assigned station offering Communion during
the 9:45 a.m. Mass. Church was
packed with people of all ages,
cultures and backgrounds. It
was, as it usually is, a beautiful
celebration of church.
However, in this moment,
something was different. I had
to consciously take a deep breath
and clear my head, because I was
really, really tired. I had been “all
over creation,” as they say, the day
before for various ministry tasks
in and out of town. Then it hit me.
I could clearly hear each person
saying that one word, “Amen.”
This may sound like something obvious, but allow me to
explain. Often at that point in the
liturgy the choir has moved into
the first Communion song. Today, however, they chose to wait a
little longer to do so. It took me a
little while to realize it, but being
able to hear each person say that
one word was what was different.
While this moment is one of
17
The value and power of ritual
oday we no longer understand the value and
power of ritual. This is more than an individual
failing. It’s the cultural air we breathe. In the
words of Robert L. Moore, we’ve gone “ritually tonedeaf.” The effects of this can be seen everywhere: Allow me two examples:
First, we see this today in the failure by so many
couples to grasp the need to formalize their relationship in a ceremony of marriage. They make a private
commitment to live together but feel no need to formalize this before a civil authority or inside a church. Their
belief is that their love and private commitment to each
other is all that’s needed. What does a formal ceremony
or a church blessing add to that commitment? The
prevalent feeling is that a formal ceremony, ideally even
in a church, is nice as a celebration and as something to
please others, but, beyond that, it adds little or nothing in terms of anything important. What does ritual
contribute to actual life?
We see this same view in many current attitudes
towards church-attendance, prayer and the sacraments.
What’s the value of participating in something when
seemingly our hearts aren’t in it? What’s the value of
going to church when we feel it’s meaningless? What’s
the value of praying formally when, today, our hearts
are a million miles away from what our words are saying? Further still, what’s the value in going to church or
in saying prayers at those times when we feel a certain
positive repugnance to what we’re doing? Indeed these
questions are often expressed as an accusation: People
are just going through the motions of church and
prayer, parroting words that aren’t really meaningful to
them, going through an empty ritual! What’s the value
in that? The value is that the ritual itself can hold and
sustain our hearts in something deeper than the emotions of the moment.
| LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Matthew Crawford,
in his recent book, “The
World Beyond Your Head,”
suggests that ritual acts
positively even when our
feelings are negative. His
words: “Consider as an
example someone who suffers not from some ragging
emotion of lust, resentment or jealousy … but
rather sadness, discontent,
boredom or annoyance. A
wife, let us say, feels this
way about her husband.
But she observes a certain
ritual: she says “I love you”
upon retiring at night. She
says this not as a report about her feelings – it is not sincere – but neither it is a lie. What it is is a kind of prayer.
She invokes something that she values – the marital
bond – and in doing so turns away from her present
discontent and toward this bond, however elusive it may
be as an actual experience. It has been said that ritual
(as opposed to sincerity) has “subjunctive” quality to it:
one acts as if some state of affairs were true, or could be.
… It relieves one of the burden of ‘authenticity.’ … “The
ritual of saying ‘I love you’ … alters somewhat the marital scene; it may not express love so much as to invoke
it, by incantation. One spouse invites the other to join
with her in honoring the marriage, something one could
honor. It is an act of faith: in one another, but also in a
third thing, which is the marriage itself.”
What Crawford highlights here is precisely, “a third
thing,” that is, something beyond the emotions of a
given moment and our faith in each other, namely, the
In Exile
Father Ron Rolheiser
the simplest and, perhaps, most
routine experiences that one
could have during Mass or any
type of church service, for that
matter, it really touched me in a
new kind of way. As I heard little
children, our older parishioners
and people of so many wonderful
ethnicities responding, “Amen,” I
was hearing so much more. Looking back, I think it wasn’t just the
variety of people that struck me.
It was the variation in tone.
Some responded with a bold,
from deep within, “AMEN!” Others said it a bit more softly. One
gentleman even responded, “yes
indeed!” And some sounded
tired. Perhaps worn down a bit.
Fatigue. Excitement. Sadness.
Reverence. Curiosity. Amazement. And so much more. These
are what I heard and felt and saw
in their faces that day.
While it was the same word
being repeated over and over, I
felt each person was imparting
to me their part of the story. The
definition of the word is simply,
“it is so ...” or “... so be it!” Some
take it to mean, “I believe.” I
heard and sensed so much more
that day, however. I heard, “Lord,
I need you...Lord, I want to believe ... I want to trust you ... I
am broken...Lord, please give me
strength for the journey...heal my
wounded soul ...” And all of this
came to me again in a new way
that day, just because of a simple
moment of silence. I found myself again amazed at, not only the
power of silence, but the power of
one simple word.
“Amen!”
Fr. Trey Nelson
St. Jude the Apostle Church
Baton Rouge
Shepherding the
future
Christ’s Peace! As the rectors
of Notre Dame Seminary and
St. Joseph Seminary College, we
have the privilege of educating
and forming men for the priesthood who will serve as spiritual
shepherds in the Diocese of Baton
Rouge.
It is a blessing that in recent
years enrollment has risen to record levels at both Notre Dame
institution of marriage itself as a ritual container, as
a sacrament that can hold and sustain a relationship
beyond the emotions and feelings of the moment. Marriage, as an institution, human and divine, is designed
to sustain love inside of and beyond the emotional and
affective fluctuations that inevitably occur inside of
every intimate relationship. Marriage allows two people
to continue to love each other despite boredom, irritation, anger, bitterness, wound and, in some cases, even
infidelity. The ritual act of getting married places one
inside that container.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, when preaching at marriage
ceremonies, would frequently give this counsel to
couples: Today you are much in love and you feel that
love will sustain your marriage. It wouldn’t. But marriage can sustain your love. Being ritually tone-deaf, we
struggle to understand that.
The same holds true for church-attendance, the sacraments and private prayer. It’s not a question of going
through the motions on days when the feelings aren’t
there. Rather it’s going through the ritual as an incantation, as an honoring of our relationship to God, and as
an act of faith in prayer.
If we only said “I love you” when we actually felt that
emotion and if we only prayed when we actually felt like
it, we wouldn’t express love or pray very often. When we
say “I love you” and when we do formal prayer at those
times when our feelings seem to belie our words, we
aren’t being hypocritical or simply going through the
motions, we’re actually expressing some deeper truths.
OBLATE FATHER ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher and awardwinning author, is president of the Oblate School of
Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted
through ronrolheiser.com; on Facebook facebook.com/
ronrolheiser.
Seminary and St. Joseph Seminary College, the two institutions
where vocations to the priesthood
are nurtured in our archdiocese.
In the fall, St. Joseph Seminary College will welcome approximately 139 seminarians,
including 13 from the Diocese of
Baton Rouge. Notre Dame Seminary anticipates 120 seminarians
this upcoming year, including
seven men from Baton Rouge.
To accommodate the seminaries’ growing needs, Archbishop
Gregory M. Aymond and the
Archdiocese of New Orleans have
launched “I Will Give You Shepherds: The Campaign for Priestly Formation” to ensure Notre
Dame Seminary and St. Joseph
Seminary College continue to
provide the very best in priestly
formation for years to come. Gifts
to the campaign will enable both
institutions to improve the facilities that house the programs of
formation for seminarians – our
future priests.
For more background on the
importance of gifts to the campaign, please visit diobr.org to
view a video that features seminarians from Baton Rouge. As
future parish priests, these seminarians will impact the lives of
countless people in the Diocese of
Baton Rouge and beyond.
It is a testament to the generosity and fidelity of the people
of God to the Catholic Church of
Louisiana that nearly $18 million
has been raised thus far toward
the $25 million goal for “I Will
Give You Shepherds.”
We are grateful to Bishop Robert W. Muench for his steadfast
support of “I Will Give You Shepherds.” We ask you to pray for
our two seminaries and to invite
your parishioners to support the
formation and education of seminarians by contributing to “I Will
Give You Shepherds.” Your leadership and Our Lady’s help will enable us to reach our goal.
Let us all continue to pray for
one another, and for all those discerning God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
Very Rev. Gregory M. Boquet
OSB President-Rector, St. Joseph
Seminary College
Very Rev. James A. Wehner STD
Rector-President, Notre Dame
Seminary
18
COMING EVENTS
40 Days for Life Informational Meeting – An informational meeting for Baton Rouge’s fifth 40 Days for
Life Campaign, which will run Wednesday, Sept. 23, –
Sunday, Nov. 1, will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 7 p.m., in
Room 104 of the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S.
Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. People are asked to consider volunteering for planning, communications, outreach
and vigil site coordination. For more information, email
[email protected], or call 225-242-0164.
Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites – The Sec-
July 24, 2015
ular Order of Discalced Carmelites welcomes those who
are interested in developing their prayer life according
to the teachings of the Carmelite saints. The community meeting will be held on Sunday, Aug. 9, 1:30 p.m., at
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center in St. Gabriel’s
Room, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. Call 225-3433181 or 225-803-3391, or email [email protected].
Mass Honoring God the Father – Monsignor Robert Berggreen will celebrate a Mass honoring God the Father on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m., at St. Agnes Church,
749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge. Confessions will be heard
at 5 p.m., and a rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. For
information, call 225-383-4127.
Magnificat – Kathy MacInnis, coordinator of Magnificat Central Service Team, will speak at a Magnficat
breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. – noon, at Oak
Reception Lodge, 2834 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton
Rouge. Reservations are required and must be made by
Monday, Aug. 10 by mailing a check for $15 made out to
SEE EVENTS PAGE 19
PO Box 3316
Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316
For help placing your classified ad,
call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are
prepaid. Credit cards are not accepted.
announcements
Business service
Homes For sale
Healing of Families Seminar 8/1/15
Complete presentation of Father Ssemakula’s book. Details/registration contact – [email protected]
BROUSSEAU'S Painting
Interior and exterior painting. Experienced and reliable. Free estimates. Call
225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194.
While we at The Catholic Commentator do
our best to bring reliable advertisers to
our readers, we are not responsible for any
claims made by any advertiser.
Mr. D’s Tree Service
3 Licensed Arborists
Free Estimates
Fully Insured
Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners
225-292-6756
CENTRAL-3BR/2BA home. Around
2000 sq. ft. L/A. Dbl garage w/electric
doors, patio, sunroom and gas fireplace.
Brand new SS refrigerator and HUGE
TV with surrounding wood entertainment ctr stays. No carpet. Less than
$76 sf. Some updating has been done.
$152,500 “AS IS.” Call 225-954-0333.
Leave message, will call back.
Business service
Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Upholstery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning,
painting of furniture and upholstery.
In business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery.
10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-2722577. See our showroom.
THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA
Accounting and taxes for businesses,
non-profits and individuals; business,
computer, financial and management
services. 30 years experience; professional, prompt and personal attention.
225-296-0404.
Baton Rouge Care Service. Serving Baton Rouge and surrounding areas since
1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and
nurses aides for the sick and elderly in
the home, nursing homes and hospitals.
Licensed and bonded for private duty
care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480.
www.batonrougesittersregistry.com.
MAGGIO CONCRETE
Form, dig, pour and finish. Driveways,
patios, sidewalks, parking areas. Residential/Commercial foundations. Also
breakout and haul away concrete. INSURED. After you call the rest, call the
best. 225-266-7764/225-448-0803.
Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free
pickup and delivery, free estimates, expert economical repair on all brands.
225-924-4337 or www.davesbicyclerepair.
com.
PRESSURE WASHING
Patios, driveways, walks, carports, etc.
Retired male. Call 225-276-1841
St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a
Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is
available to support families as they face
end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort,
dignity and support can make every day
"a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more
information.
Kitchen counter tops. Call for free estimates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or
225-683-6837.
Pennington Lawn and Landscape
225-806-0008
Lawn & bed maintenance. Clean-up neglect. Call for your free estimate.
Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We
restore hurricane damaged furniture.
If it's furniture we do it all! Refinishing,
re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc.
2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607.
LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP
REMOVAL, INC.
Prompt service–Free estimates
FULLY INSURED
E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc
Phone 383-7316
HOUSEKEEPER
Mature, Dependable
20+ Years Experience. References.
Debbie
225-266-7655
225-571-1967
For sale
Excellent condition. Adult Tristar
3-wheel bike. $275.00. Call 225-769-5991.
CENTRAL-3 BR/2BA brick and vinyl
home. Around 2000 sq. ft. L/A. Dbl garage w/elec. doors, mancave/den, gas
fireplace, ALL NEW-walk-in tub, laminate
floors, a/c, hot water heater, roof, windows, and huge storage building. Over
1 acre lot with RV port. $184,500 ($92
sf ) “AS IS.” Call 225-954-0333. Leave message, will call back.
For rent
Help Wanted
PARISH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Our Lady of Mercy Church and School is seeking a
full-time director of parish development.
•
The candidate should be dynamic, motivated and an
experienced development professional who will ensure success of
our programs, goals and events for both the church and school.
•
Wooded Lot w/mobile home for rent
off Hwy 42. 2BR/2BA, Fenced yard. $850
month + deposit. No pets, non-smokers.
225-715-7172.
Applicants must have knowledge of Catholic faith and values, and the
ability to work with the Pastor, Principal, and Parish Administration
Director, as well as several advisory committees.
•
legal notice
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with
5 to 7 years experience. Credentialed Certified Fund Raising Executive
Anyone with the knowledge of the
whereabouts of Mary Edna Warner is
asked to contact the Diocesan Tribunal
at 225-336-8755.
Help Wanted
is preferred.
To apply, send a cover letter, resume and references to:
Mr. Randy Arabie, Parish Administration Director
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
In sales employment advertisements,
the advertiser must name the product
or service to be sold. Ads must state how
wages will be paid (salary, commissions,
etc.) if money is mentioned. The ad must
also state if there is an investment required.
445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
[email protected]
Assistant needed 3 full days per week
for young lady with developmental disability for community activities. Excellent for retired teachers, mature person
looking for part-time work or student
in a related field. Experience working
with developmental disability a plus.
Background check will be done. Drivers
license and insurance required. $12.70 hr.
Call 225-252-1567
olomchurch.com
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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
July 24, 2015
EVENTS 
From page 18
BR Magnificat to Kathy Simoneaux, 9650 Victory Lane,
Denham Springs, LA 70726.
Seeker’s Retreat – A seeker’s retreat for people
in their 20’s and 30’s will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15,
9 a.m. – 8 p.m., at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 9150
Highland Road, Baton Rouge. The retreat will look
at how young adults answer the questions: “What is
important in my life?” “What am I looking for?” and
“Where does God fit in?” Cost, which includes lunch,
dinner and supplies is $35 per person. To register, visit
charisministries.org. For information, email ilyfercsj@
gmail.com or [email protected].
Day of Renewal – The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will host
a Day of Renewal, “Jesus Heals the Heart,” on Saturday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Our Lady of Mercy
LIFE 
From page 1
prostol, is taken several days after RU-486. In 2011, this chemical procedure was responsible for
19.1 percent of all reported abortions (slightly over 730,000), according to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
The numbers, which also
showed that the percentage of
all abortions (both surgical and
chemical) reported in the US
for the decade from 2002-2011
dropped 13 percent, revealed the
number of babies lost to medical (chemical) abortions was still
high, noted Delgado.
“More than two million unborn children have been killed by
the pill,” he explained. Two states
this year, Arizona and Arkansas,
passed legislation requiring doctors to inform patients about the
availability of the reversal technique, which Delgado said has
saved more than 100 babies, all
born without birth defects.
The procedure, however, does
have its critics with non-supporters pointing to his limited
number of case studies proving
that the science works. Delgado
is not concerned with those who
call the abortion pill reversal
“junk science” and is planning
to release additional scientific
studies scheduled for publication
in September.
According to Delgado, the
abortion pill reversal technique
offers hope for both mothers
and babies. He explained that
many women express intense
regret and remorse after taking
RU-486. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, these women
are often scared and vulnerable.
Many are given RU-486 in clin-
Church Parish Activity Center, 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. The event will include reflections and music
by Cindy Scardina, a eucharistic procession and benediction. Lunch will be provided. For information, call
225-636-2464 or 225-356-8873.
Family Choices Program – The Diocese of Baton
Rouge Office of Marriage and Family Life will sponsor
“Family Choices: Transitions in Aging,” on Saturday,
Aug. 29, 9 .m. – 3 p.m., at the Catholic Life Center Main
Auditorium, 1800 S. Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. Topics include: “A Spiritual Discernment of Transitions;”
“Attending the Needs of the Dying;” “Creativity in Retirement;” “Transitions in the Home: Safety Proofing;”
and “When Home is No Longer Enough.” Cost is $15 in
advance and $20 for walk-ins. Lunch is provided. For
more information, call 225-242-0323.
Metairie Events – The Archdiocese of New Orleans
Retreat Center, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, is hosting
two events: A “Wine and Dine: An Evening with John
ics, yet when they return home,
they realize the consequences of
what they have done and want to
change their actions.
“The process (abortion pill reversal) saves the baby’s life, but
then it also saves the mother’s
spiritual life,” Delgado added,
noting that many women who
have gone through an abortion
continue to express feelings of
loss and sorrow for years after
the procedure.
Olivia Gans Turner, the director of the National Right to Life
Committee’s American Victims
of Abortion, agreed.
Turner, who had an abortion
decades ago and still feels the
grief of that decision, explained
that women often become the
second victim in an abortion.
“I made a poor decision about
my child. I can only hold her in
my heart now. But she has forever changed me even though
she was with me for such a brief
time,” Turner said, who noted
that she has committed her life’s
work to help women make better and more informed decisions
when faced with an unplanned
pregnancy, which includes letting them know about the abortion pill reversal.
Sara Littlefield, an abortion
pill reversal coordinator, said the
process begins with a phone call
to the Abortion Pill Reversal 24hour hotline number.
“We have had a lot of success
with women (who want to reverse the abortion pill). So much
of it comes from how quickly
they call after (taking the first
pill), but we will try to help any
woman if she calls in, regardless
of what is going on,” she said.
Folse,” fundraising dinner will be held on Friady, Aug.
7, 6:30 p.m., at Chateau Country Club, 3600 Chateau
Blvd, Kenner. Tickets are $150 each. For information,
call 504-887-1420. Father Joe Palermo JD, director of
spiritual formation at Notre Dame Seminary in New
Orleans, will present a retreat, “Living as a Fully Alive
Catholic,” Friday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 9. Minimum
offering is $225, which includes meals and accommodations. For information, call 504-887-1420, email
[email protected] or visit retreats.arch-no.org/retreats.
Men’s Conference – A men’s conference, “The
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Freedom,” will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at Holy Rosary Church, 44450 Hwy. 429
St. Amant. The doors open at 7 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. and dinner will follow at 6 p.m. The
event will feature speakers, workshops, prayer, music
and food. Deadline to register is Thursday, Aug. 13. For
information and to register, call 225-715-5103 or email
[email protected]
Littlefield noted that since
the hotline started in 2012, they
have fielded almost 950 calls
and helped close to 400 women
receive progesterone.
“Not all of them (the calls we
receive) come from women. We
also field calls from boyfriends,
fathers and mothers of women
(who are pregnant), and others
just wanting information,” she
said.
Littlefield explained that
many medical doctors and clinics across the country participate
in the progesterone protocol and
they can easily assist any woman
who changes her mind after taking the abortion pill.
Of the number of women who
received progesterone from the
hotline, Littlefield noted, “60
percent were successful and delivered healthy babies with no
birth defects.”
In addition to headlining Delgado’s work with the abortion
pill reversal, the National Right
to Life Convention, which organizers said attracted more than
800 participants, also featured
an array of workshops and other
pro-life speakers, including political commentator Mary Matalin and writer and television personality Rachel Campos-Duffy.
The 45th annual convention,
held July 9-11th, attracted several Republican Presidential hopefuls, including Governor Bobby
Jindal (who was the honored
guest speaker at the first night’s
activity called “Festival of Life! A
Taste of Louisiana”), Texas Governor Rick Perry, Senator Marco
Rubio (R-Fl.), Senator Rick Santorum, (R-Pa.) and neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson.
Hospice is not about giving up
… it’s about taking control
• WerelyupontheintercessionofourBlessedMothertoassistusinimitatingthehealingministryofJesus
Christaswecareforterminallyillpatientsandtheirfamilies.
• Wecallforththecompassionandkindnessofourstaff,whoserveinthishealthcareministry,torespondto
thephysical,spiritualandemotionalneedsofourpatientsandtheirfamilies.
• Webelieveinthesacrednessoflifefromconceptiontonaturaldeath,andwedevoteourselvesto
supportingpatientsandfamiliesthroughthedyingprocessattheendoflife’sjourneyonthisearthand
newlifeineternity.
The right people,
doing the right thing
for the right reason.
19
SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS
www.NotreDameHospice -NO.org • (225) 243-7358
Notre Dame Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, ability to pay, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.
20
July 24, 2015
Prairieville teen attends unique summer camp
By Rachele Smith
For most teenagers, learning
about a summer camp from, of
all people, your mom, probably
means it’s an activity you don’t
want to do.
But, Prairieville teen Duncan
Felix has a different perspective.
Earlier this year, his mom, Rachel Felix, told him about a teen
group that would meet during the
National Right to Life Convention
in New Orleans. With its pro-life
camp theme, Rachel, who attends
St. John the Evangelist Church
with her family, felt the experience would be a good fit for her
son. Not only did the National
Teens for Life Convention support the family’s own belief in the
sanctity of life, but having a national convention of this caliber
so close to home was “an opportunity not to be missed.”
For 13-year-old Duncan, the
decision was easy.
“I wanted to go,” he said, adding that he wanted to meet other
teenagers who believe in a right
to life.
“Pro-life is important (to me).
It protects innocent children
from being killed without reason,” he explained.
Duncan, who is homeschooled and in the eighth grade,
Tiffany
found that he was not the only
teenager who thinks this way.
Organizers say some 80 teens
registered for the National Teens
for Life Convention in New Orleans July 9-11th. Like their adult
counterparts, the teens attended
some general sessions, but for the
most part, their day was centered
on workshops and group discussions developed for them. They
were even encouraged to indulge
in a little creativity.
“I received a green ribbon in
a poster contest,” said Duncan,
who added that his poster basically had a pro-life message.
“They (the teens) were so
busy,” noted Rachel, who said
that most activities started in
the morning and went through
the evening.
“Even though our entire family went (to the convention),
we really didn’t see him except
when we checked on him,” she
explained.
The National Right to Life
Committee established the National Teens for Life 30 years ago
this year to give teens a voice to
speak out for life. Its goal today,
as it was back in 1985, is to teach
teens facts and to empower them
to teach others about saving lives
and stopping abortion.
For Duncan, the opportunity
to connect with others (he met
Brian
Local teenager Duncan Felix, fourth from left, back row, gathers with
other teenagers from around the country attending the National Teens
for Life Convention in New Orleans. The teenagers took time for a photo with two of their workshop presenters, center, Olivia Gans Turner,
director of American Victims of Abortion, and Mary Spaulding Balch,
attorney and director of the National Right to Life Committee’s Department of State Legislation. Photo by Rachele Smith | The Catholic Commentator
teens from Alaska, Oregon, Virginia, and Texas, just to name a
few) was important, but he also
found the workshop topics and
speakers interesting, too.
“I liked almost all of the talks
that we had (for the teen convention). My favorite was from Bobby Schindler and learning how
his sister (Terri Schiavo) could
have lived,” he said.
Duncan was only a toddler
when Schiavo’s story captivated
America. In 1999 Schiavo sud-
Zoey
denly collapsed and suffered
a profound brain injury, later
setting off a firestorm of debate
over right to life issues. Her estranged husband would eventually win court permission to
remove Schiavo from medical
support, and her life ended in
2005. Since that time, Schindler
has been working to protect the
lives of the medically vulnerable
and disabled through the foundation his family started called
the “Terri Schiavo Life and
Ryan
Hope Network.”
In addition to learning Schiavo’s story, Duncan said he was
also interested in the growing
knowledge of adult stem cell research and why embryonic stem
cell research is “doing something
that is not useful.”
Duncan, who attends religion
classes at St. Agnes Church in Baton Rouge, began understanding
pro-life issues early. He was five
years old when he attended his
first March for Life. At that time,
his family was living in Boise,
Idaho. His mom explained that
they moved to Baton Rouge five
years ago with her husband’s job.
“I have always been pro-life,”
said Rachel. “I was born in that
generation that has watched the
effects and the trauma (of abortion). I believe it is the cause of
our time, but not just abortion,”
she added noting that other issues threatening life, such as the
use and abuse of the elderly and
those with disabilities also need
to be addressed.
Since returning from the National Teens for Life Convention,
Duncan has learned a lot of information and can even help his
mom with correcting or identifying missing facts on pro-life issues. He said that the teen convention was “very fun,” and that
he would like to do it again.
Addison
A Child’s Self-Esteem: Priceless!
So many school children like Tiffany, Brian, Zoey, Ryan, and Addison need your help. For low-income families, the top priorities
are food and housing and, too often, there’s nothing left to spend on clothes or school uniforms. Education is the key that can
open the door to a new way of life. The two uniforms we give to each needy child cost only $24.00 – a small price to pay for a
child’s self-esteem.
With your support, needy children can go to school properly dressed, without fear of ridicule or
embarrassment. Our Uniforms for Kids effort will help children in 12 parishes.
St. Vincent de Paul asks you to consider how you can give hope to the most vulnerable children in our community. Uniforms
for Kids is in its 18th year, and our goal this year is to distribute 25,000 uniforms to 12,500 kids. We need your help. The cost of
one uniform is $12.00, and we want to give two uniforms to each child. How many children can you help?
Join us in helping needy children like Tiffany, Brian, Zoey, Ryan, and Addison by sending a financial gift in the envelope
enclosed in this issue of the Catholic Commentator or by giving online at svdpbr.org.

Drug available to reverse abortion pill

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